Canton Honors Our Fallen Heroes

Canton Township residents showed up to remember our fallen soldiers in a touching ceremony at the Canton Veterans Memorial, at Heritage Park. This ceremony was organized by John Spencer, who is the President of the Canton Township Veterans Memorial Association. Mr. Spencer is also a member of the Plymouth Canton Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 528. Mr. Spencer served our nation in Vietnam in 1966.

Mr. Spencer gave the keynote address, and one thing that struck me about his remarks was what he said about the families of the fallen. While he reminded us to, “Remember those that gave their lives, so that we may continue to live in freedom.” He also urged, “Let us be mindful of the Gold Star families, to whom this day is about their loved ones, who gave up all of their tomorrows so that we could live our lives in freedom.” Mr. Spencer's words moved me, as he was so correct in that it is also the wives, the sons, the daughters, and the moms and dads that also sacrificed so greatly.

Among the other speakers were Jerry Thomason, who served in Vietnam as a Navy Seabee in 1969. He is also the incoming VFW 6695 Post Commander. Mr. Thomason recited The Gettysburg address. Mr. Thomason was followed by John Anthony, who is a US Marine veteran, and a current Canton Township Trustee. Mr. Anthony recited the poem, In Flanders Field.

The crowd was led in the singing of America The Beautiful by Mr. Spencer, who followed that with the closing prayer. Mr. Bob Caldwell, who served in the Army in Vietnam in 1969 was on hand for the playing of Taps. The VVA Color Guard and Honor Guard were also at this ceremony for the Honor Volley.

Goldstar Parents Terry and Janet Blumberg, who lost their Son, Sgt. Trevor A Blumberg in Iraq, in 2003, came down from up north for the ceremony, and to lay flowers at the stone honoring their Son's sacrifice to our nation. Since Trevor's death, Janet and Terry have worked tirelessly to create a retreat for War on Terror veterans, both active and inactive. This cabin sits on 12 acres of land on the shore of Orchard Lake, in Rogers City, Michigan. This wonderful place is called Blum's Landing, and if you haven't heard of it, you should read their story.

It should be noted that along with John Spencer's hard, and thoughtful work, his friends at the Plymouth VFW Post 6695, and Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 528 were on hand for this ceremony, which was the second event of a very long day. They are all to be commended for helping us to honor our fallen heroes, as well as the ones who made it home.

There is a famous quote widely attributed to a Korean War Veteran that said, “All gave some, and some gave all.” This is absolutely true, but I have come to know some of these veterans, and I can say with certainty, that there are a great many of our vets who continue to give every single day. They give to other vets, they give to our newly returning vets, and they give to our whole community. They do this every single day, and they do it pretty quietly, and without much fanfare.

To all of our veterans I would like to say, Thank You for your service, and Welcome Home...