Sometimes, time creeps up on us and even things made of concrete and stone need attention.
In this week’s Northern Michigan in Focus Corey Adkins takes us to Beaverton, where they just saved one of their town’s most prized possessions.
“It’s a wonderful, one-of-a-kind piece of artistry that we have the privilege to have in our community,” said Scott Govitz, a member of the WWI Monument Dedication Committee.
Known as “The Great War” or “The War to End All Wars,” World War I left millions dead, millions wounded and those who survived had to live with the horrors of what they saw when they came home.
Even the little town of Beaverton lost loved ones. In 1925 a monument was built to honor those men, but the story goes a little deeper.
“It is our understanding that there were three members of one family who were in the war, World War I, and the monument actually depicts the plight of that family. One member died, one was wounded and there was one survivor,” explained Scott.
“The Survivor” is the name of the monument. The men represented are believed to be from the McKimmy family.
“When you think about it, military families in the fact that they sacrifice what they do and how they have sacrificed over the years, when you think about one family putting three members, it’s an amazing thing to think about and the true patriotism that that is all about,” said Scott.
But 93 years can even wear on stone and concrete. “The Survivor” needed help.
“It was in a state where we had to do something about it, or it could’ve fell into real demise,” explained Scott.
A committee was formed and the community of Beaverton stepped up. They raised the funds to preserve this important piece of history, will be revealed on June 30 at 10 a.m.
“Will be the official unveiling of the monument and it will be rededicated at that time. We are following very closely the original script that was used in 1925. More importantly, we will have a memory that looks back at the original dedication and the people who serve this nation over time. It’s going to be a wonderful occasion, June 30, and we’re looking for a large crowd,” explained Scott.
Everyone is invited, especially those who’ve served.
“If you have family or friends, and we all do, that have served in the military, it would be really special for you to be here and enjoy the rededication and the event that is really about all those individuals,” encouraged Scott.
No one from any nation is left from the Great War, but it’s still important to honor their memory and the little town of Beaverton is doing just that.
“We can’t forget those wars and we can’t forget those people who gave their lives and gave their many sacrifices, and the family who gave their many sacrifices to give us the beautiful freedoms that we have in this great nation today,” said Scott.
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