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 TEC...
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