Dearborn Veterans Park and War Memorial Honors Sacrifices

DEARBORN, MI — Dearborn's new Veterans Park and War Memorial was dedicated Saturday to honor those who gave their lives in service to our country, as well as all who have served in the military in peacetime and war.

The new Veterans Park and War Memorial was a collaborative effort between DAWVC and the City of Dearborn. Mayor John B. O’Reilly, Jr. advocated for the new park and memorial, and the project was supported by the Dearborn City Council, with agreement from the Dearborn Library Commission.

“We are so pleased to dedicate this park and memorial because, in partnership with our veterans, we have created a very appealing and visible landmark in line with our vigorous tradition of remembering those who gave the ultimate sacrifice, as well as acknowledging the dedication of all who have served,” O'Reilly said in a statement.

Community leaders and four veterans participated in determining the elements of the Veterans Park & War Memorial. The veteran committee was Sean Green, John Ruselowski, Frank Pelaccio and Ted Gagacki.

The focus of the War Memorial are four 7 foot monoliths, which are tributes to the 347 Dearborn men who gave the ultimate sacrifice in World War I, World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. (Fortunately, no one from Dearborn has died in conflicts since then.)

The monoliths, originally dedicated at historic City Hall Park in 1991 through the efforts of the Dearborn Allied War Veterans Council (DAWVC) and the City of Dearborn, were moved this spring to their new location in front of the library. (The city no longer owns the property in historic City Hall Park where the monuments stood.)

Additions at the new memorial are an Eternal Flame, which signifies Dearborn’s everlasting remembrance of those who died in service; and a replica of a Battlefield Cross, which is made up of a rifle stuck into boots, and a helmet. On the battlefield, it is an immediate means to show honor and respect for the fallen by their comrades-in-arm.

A prominent flagpole and U.S. flag, which will be lit at night, also define the site.

In addition to the memorial features, the Veterans Park honors all who served in peacetime and war, whether they were stationed in the United States or on foreign soil, whether they were in combat or assigned to other critical functions.

To express this respect, the park includes the flags of the five branches of the armed forces, which will also be lit at night; glass panels etched with dates of major conflicts in U.S. history as well as the number who served in each conflict; and 24 newly planted cherry trees that enhance green walkways.

Acknowledging the role that it played in the Dearborn community, some of the marble of the library’s former fountain was re-used for five benches with emblems of the five military branches.

The heart of the new installation is a large sloped plaza that will accommodate audiences for ceremonies and other commemorative or celebratory community gatherings.

The development is made possible through a substantial contribution from AK Steel. Following the input from city, community and veteran leaders, the design was conceived and executed by Neumann/Smith Architecture, along with the Mannik & Smith Group, Inc. Tooles Contracting Group was the general contractor.

In the future, as funds allow, it is hoped that a Peace Labyrinth will be added on the east side of the memorial, and an exhibit portraying the Arsenal of Democracy will be developed on the west side, along with educational panels about Dearborn’s contributions during military engagements.

Photos via Shutterstock