To: Charles Winfrey, Human Services Committee Chairperson
From: Derrick Britton, Veterans Services Director
title
RE: Approval of a request by Genesee County Department of Veterans Service to provide funding, in an amount not to exceed $10,000.00, to allow for continued ceremonial services, veteran memorials, and maintenance at the Veterans Bell Memorial in Montrose, MI
recommendation
BOARD ACTION REQUESTED:
Approval of a request by Genesee County Department of Veterans Service to provide funding in an amount not to exceed $10,000.00, to allow for continued ceremonial services, veteran memorials, and maintenance at the Veterans Bell Memorial, Montrose.
BACKGROUND:
What started out as a tribute by Charlie Emmendorfer of CRE Welding in Montrose, MI to honor his father-in-law Richard Velat, a P.O.W. during the Korean War, became a six-foot tall stainless-steel bell. The bell itself is constructed of stainless steel, created by local craftsmen who dedicated their time and talent to honor the brave men and women who have served our nation. The stand and bell tip the scales at over two tons and are now the centerpiece of the Veterans Bell Memorial. The structure that houses the memorial broke ground in 2013 and was dedicated on September 10, 2016.
DISCUSSION:
Barber Memorial Park in Montrose is the location of the memorial. In addition to the stainless-steel bell, the structure includes a veteran registry. The interior walls display the names, photographs, and military service records for local veterans and veterans nationwide. The park hosts an official, public commemorative ceremony at the monument every year on Veterans Day. The Montrose Veterans Bell Memorial Project, Inc is the 501(c)(3) that manages the memorial. They will host a 10-year anniversary of the memorial on Sunday, September 13, 2026.
IMPACT ON HUMAN RESOURCES:
None.
IMPACT ON BUDGET:
The cost of this request will come from GL Number 2930-689.00-900.005
IMPACT ON FACILITIES:
None.
IMPACT ON TECHNOLOGY:
None.
CONFORMITY TO COUNTY PRIORITIES:
The Veterans Bell Memorial is one of many memorials in the county dedicated to preserving the honor of our local and national heroes. It is one of the lesser-known memorials, yet impressive and built by the community. The memorial helps bring community together for a common purpose. Memorializing our veterans promotes mental health and healing for the veterans and the family members who visit. Funds will help contribute to the long-term stability and upkeep of the memorial
resolution
TO THE HONORABLE CHAIRPERSON AND MEMBERS OF THE GENESEE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS, GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN:
WHEREAS, this Board of County Commissioners of Genesee County, Michigan, recognizes the profound sacrifices, unwavering bravery, and enduring contributions made by all honorably discharged veterans of the United States Armed Forces who have served to safeguard the liberties and security of our nation; and
WHEREAS, the Veterans Bell Memorial, situated within Barber Memorial Park at 11410 N. Seymour Rd, Montrose, MI 48457, serves as a vital community landmark, historical archive, and solemn space for reflection and honor; and
WHEREAS, this distinguished monument features a custom-built, 4,000-pound stainless steel bell housed within a permanent 30-foot-diameter, octagon-shaped building designed to safeguard veteran registries, military photographs, and historical service records for generations to come; and
WHEREAS, the Veterans Bell Memorial was brought to fruition through nine years of dedicated community action, personal vision, and local coordination to establish an inclusive registry honoring veterans from any state and any era of service; and
WHEREAS, maintaining the structural integrity of the permanent octagon display facility, updating the indoor veteran registries, and preparing the grounds for public commemorative events-such as the annual Veterans Day ceremony-requires ongoing capital improvement and operational support; and
WHEREAS, this Board finds that providing financial assistance for the upkeep of this municipal landmark directly promotes civic pride, historical education, and public enrichment within Genesee County.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by this Board of County Commissioners of Genesee County, Michigan, that the request by the Veterans Services Director to authorize allocating funds in the amount of $10,000.00, and entering into professional services contract between Genesee County and Montrose Veterans Bell Memorial Project, Inc. to use those funds solely for the structural maintenance, archival preservation, and general operations of the Veterans Bell Memorial in Montrose.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that these funds shall be distributed to and managed in coordination with the Montrose Veterans Bell Memorial Project, Inc., and designated memorial caretakers to ensure strict compliance with county procurement and municipal expenditure guidelines.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a certified copy of this resolution be transmitted to the caretakers of the Veterans Bell Memorial, and the Genesee County Department of Veterans Services as a formal expression of this Board’s enduring gratitude and commitment to our veteran community.