NORTHVILLIANS,
I want to thank each of you for assisting our community in having a safe and enjoyable Halloween season. If you haven’t experienced our Norman Rockwell-type Halloween gathering previously, I invite you next year 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 those of their pets (this year’s estimated attendance was 12-13K).
Additionally, after Election Day last week I would like to thank all those in the community that came out to vote, as we move forward … together!
Lastly, I wanted to congratulate the NHS Men’s Cross-Country team who, for the fourth year in a row, continued as State Champions. On top of that, the Women’s Golf Team came home with an additional State championship (two in a row). And finally, congrats go to the Football team that made it to the state playoffs once again.
For the remaining weeks in November, we will continue to talk about our history, with memories of our Annual Lighted Parade and Thanksgivings in town through time.
But this week, we’ll focus on Veterans Day. I encourage you to gather in front of the VFW Post on Main Street tomorrow morning, 11/11, at 11am for the annual ceremony to honor our Veterans.
Let’s look at some Historic Veterans Day activities in The Ville…
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, with which I have the honor and privilege to be involved. 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 and peacetime.
In our two final resting places in town (Oakwood & Rural Hill), we have Veterans from all these conflicts. Our Cemetery Restoration Team is leading the effort to restore them and bring these two hallowed grounds back to their original glory. If you want to be part of these renovations, contact David Marold (Chairperson) or myself … Link
Veterans Day History – 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.
Traditions – 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.
Banner Program –The Chamber of Commerce honors Veterans in November & May through their Northville Military Veterans Banner Program, which features close to 250 of our veteran heroes. My father (WWII Marine) and brother (Vietnam), like many other local veterans, have been remembered through this program.
This Military Banner Program captures our patriotic spirit and highlights local heroes. (I grew up with stories from both my WWII Marine father and my mother who was a “Rosie the Riveter” at the Willow Run B24 Liberator plant).
Arsenal of Democracy – 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”.
VFW & American Legion – We in the community are indebted to everyone at the VFW & American Legion for their patriotism and for all they do in our community. Truly, Northvillians owe our veterans a great debt for their commitment and sacrifice to protect our freedoms.
- VFW historically sponsors the annual Memorial Day parade (recently, with assistance from the Legion). They also maintain the Veterans portion of the Rural Hill Cemetery, which includes placing flags on all our fallen heroes’ gravesites each year with the assistance of the Scouts. It is truly our Arlington-like memorial area.
- American Legion has been serving veterans in our community for over a century. Personally, I will always be grateful for their sponsorship of “Boys State” in which I participated in 1978, an experience which ignited my future inspiration to become your servant mayor (going on 50 years later!).
Wall of Honor – During World War II, there was a giant map of the world downtown with the names and locations of local solders posted for all to see.
This month let’s slow down and thank those in uniform as well as their family & friends who have supported those who have served to keep the freedoms we enjoy today. Make the time to stroll through town and see the banners of our heroes that defended our liberties and ideals. We must ensure they are never forgotten.
Keep that Northville Community 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.)
Click the following link to subscribe to this weekly newsletter:
https://mailchi.mp/5a31f2ec1a6e/turnbullformayor
Northvillian 
Leave a comment