Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
BESSEMER TOWNSHIP Supervisor Jeff Randall examines the township's veterans memorial. The township is planning to rededicate the memorial, which is a tribute to all the township residents that served.
By TOM STANKARD
Ramsay - In honor of Bessemer Township veterans, the Bessemer Township Board of Trustees is planning to host a rededication for the memorial beside the township hall.
Board Supervisor Jeff Randall said the rededication will serve to remind people that there are veterans from the township and the township supports them.
Randall said the memorial has been there for years.
The memorial has three stone slabs. The one in the center is approximately 7 1/2-feet tall and is engraved with a message that says, "In memory of the men and women of Bessemer Township who served in the armed forces of our country to preserve the freedom of humanity." Above the engraving is a shield with bald eagle grasping branches.
To the right and left of the center column are two shorter ones. The slabs contain a sword with a wreath and three stars above it.
Last year, Randall said they "dressed up" the memorial. To enhance the area, more flagpoles, flower pots, seating and a concrete flooring were put in.
"We want to rededicate it for that reason," Randall said.
Since renovating it, Randall said the township has gotten positive feedback.
"During the event on July 2, I saw people sitting down and socializing," he said.
For the rededication ceremony, Randall said the board wants to include Ironwood Junior ROTC members.
"The ROTC would honor those who have gone before them, and it would allow the veterans who normally participate in the program to just come and watch."
A date for the rededication has yet to be chosen, according to township officials.
