County Seat Newspaper
of Clare County

Clare County Honors Local Veterans, Past and Present

Doughboy to Desert Storm Ring Bell

Posted

HARRISON – This year’s Veterans Day observance in Harrison was once again a gathering of the community’s most patriotic and respectful citizens, whose presence acknowledged the gravity of the day and the importance of recognizing and honoring those citizens whose military service benefited their country and fellow citizens.

Speaking to the crowd were Karl Hauser, director of Clare County Veterans Services; Scott Taylor, commander of Veterans of Foreign War Post 1075; Pat Loafman, commander of American Legion Post 404; Dale Tritten, American Legion Post 404 Honor Guard; and state Rep. Jason Wentworth.

There were several special extras at the event, the first of which was a bell-ringing ceremony honoring the 100th year anniversary of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (Tomb of the Unknowns). Representatives of multiple veterans and support and auxiliary organizations each stepped forward to ring the memorial bell, under the guidance of Joe Bradley, Sons of the American Legion sergeant at arms and historian.

The extras also included a $2,500 donation “big check” presentation by Marilyn Passmore, Charter Communications director of state government affairs for Michigan and Indians, and Wentworth to Veterans Freedom Park which was accepted by Renee Haley, Veterans Freedom Park Committee president.

Haley’s participation did not end there, however, as she and her fellow Desert Storm veterans Mindy Taylor and Shelley Hardy had the honor of unveiling the long-awaited fourth major statue to be installed in the park. This bronze statue memorializes the Desert Shield/Desert Storm Era.

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