NORTHVILLIANS,
First, I want to thank each of you for assisting our community in having a safe and enjoyable Halloween celebration last week … it was an outstanding night in the Ville, one that I believe set a record for the number of trick-or-treaters in town (police estimate 11-12K). If you haven’t experienced our Norman Rockwell type Halloween gathering previously, I invite you to next year’s gathering to walk down Dunlap or Main where most homes are theme-decorated. Witness the plethora of costumes worn by Northvillians of all ages along with their pets.
Additionally, during this election week it appears to be a record voter turnout in our community. After these elections, it’s time for all of us to come together (like we always do) to support our National, Regional, and Community officials.
Lastly, before talking about Veterans Day, I wanted to congratulate the NHS Men’s Cross-Country team who three-peated as State Champions and the Women’s Golf team who came home with the State title. Additionally, congrats go to the Football team that made it to the state playoffs again.
This week, I want to talk about memories in the Ville for Veterans Day. Ceremonies will be held at the VFW Hall, American Legion, and various Senior areas, which I have the honor and privilege to be involved with.
The Chamber of Commerce honors Veterans (November and May) through their Northville Military Veterans Banner Program, which features close to 250 of our veteran heroes.
This week, we will pay homage to our Veterans from the Revolutionary & Civil War, the War of 1812, the Spanish American War, WWI, WWII & the conflicts in Korea, Vietnam, the Gulf War, Iraq, and Afghanistan – and all those who served in the military, both in wartime & peacetime.
In our two final resting places in town, we have Veterans from all these conflicts. At Rural Hill Cemetery (Since 1885)(!820’s), our Veteran Memorial area was established over 70 years ago to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our liberties. At Oakwood Cemetery (Established 1820’s) is .one of the oldest resting places for veterans in the state. Our Cemetery Restoration Team is leading the charge to refurbish the entire grounds.
Before we look at Veterans Days in Northville, I wanted to offer a backdrop on the beginnings of this special day (originally known as Armistice Day until 1954). It is a federal holiday observed annually on November 11th to honor military veterans. This day marks the anniversary of the truce signed at the end of WWI, which formally ended the Great War (“The War to end all Wars”) on November 11th, 1918.
Additionally, This day was extremely important in our home because Armistice Day (11/11/1918) was the actual day my mother was born. The front page of The Detroit News was prominently displayed and framed under glass at our home, commemorating the end of WWI and also my mother’s birth (an ending AND a beginning).
Let’s take a look at Veterans Day activities in the Community over time!
Northville has always had a great sense of national pride. Our Military Banner Program captures this patriotic spirit and highlights 250 local heroes. (I grew up with stories from both my proud WWII Marine father and my mother who was a “Rosie the Riveter” at the Willow Run B24 Liberator plant).
Northville was an immense contributor to the national war efforts over the years. During WWI Northville was ranked 2nd economically in the State and in WWII was part of the “Arsenal of Democracy”.
My father (WWII Marine) and Brother (Vietnam) like many other local veterans have been remembered through the banner program.
We in the community are truly indebted to everyone at the VFW Post and the American Legion for their patriotism and for all they do in our community. Additionally, Northvillians truly owe our veterans a great debt for their commitment and sacrifice to protect our freedoms.
The VFW Post historically sponsors the annual Memorial Day parade (recently with assistance from the Legion) and maintains the Veterans portion of the Rural Hill Cemetery, which includes placing flags on all our fallen heroes’ gravesites each year. It is truly our Arlington-like memorial area.
Northville’s American Legion has been serving veterans in our community for 105 years. Personally, I will always be grateful for their sponsorship of “Boys State” in which I participated in 1978, and that experience ignited my future inspiration to become your servant mayor (40+ years later!).
During this month, please slow down and thank those in uniform as well as family & friends who have served to keep the freedoms we enjoy today. Those who defend our liberties and ideals should never be forgotten.
Keep that Northville Community Patriotic Faith!
Brian Turnbull
Mayor – Northville
BTurnbull@ci.northville.mi.us / 248.505.6849
(Reach out to me anytime or forward this communication to others interested.)
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