Orion Veterans Memorial Still in Need of Funds to Complete Project

As Memorial Day approaches, Dr. Joseph Mastromatteo, chairman of the Orion Veterans Memorial, is hoping to see more donations come in so the memorial can be completed.

Mastromatteo attended meeting and urged attendees to consider purchasing a brick to benefit the memorial project, which is in its last stages. To complete the memorial they need to raise enough funds, $25,000, to add a main monument statue to the existing memorial located at the corner of South Broadway and Odanah streets.

"The memorial is targeted to be completed this Memorial Day and we are still in need of donations," Mastromatteo said. "Please consider honoring anybody in the military in your family or friends of yours."

Mastromatteo noted that the Orion Veterans Memorial Inc. is a nonprofit and all donations are tax deductible.

Orion Township Supervisor JoAnn Van Tassel ended Monday's meeting giving a push for donations as well.

"For all of you that treasure the freedom and the liberty that you have, you might want to take a minute and reflect that it's because of the veterans that we have the freedom and the liberties that we have," Van Tassel said.

Van Tassel noted this project has been a labor of love for Mastromatteo and everyone else who has worked on the memorial.

"If you've got an extra dollar or two in your pocket, or if you can write a check for a little bit more ...every little bit will be appreciated ... we just need this final bit of support to make this memorial complete," she said.

To donate to the memorial visit www.orionveteransmemorial.com. Donors can purchase engraved bricks for the Pathway to Peace or Commemorative Brick Walk at the memorial, or can simply donate money. Checks and money orders can be sent to Orion Veterans Memorial at 312 S. Broadway, Lake Orion, MI 48362.

Upcoming events at the Orion Veterans Memorial:

• There will be a National Day of Prayer ceremony at 7 p.m. on May 3. Three new monuments will be unveiled at the ceremony.
• On Memorial Day at 1 p.m. there will be a dedication of the main monument.