A project that’s taking place in the city of Negaunee that, if successful, will see the city’s aged veterans memorial refurbished, establishment of a public green space nearby and Eagle Scout honors earned certainly has our support.
Westwood High School junior Nick Mattson, who is a member of Scout Troop 321 of Ishpeming, is raising money to rehab the veterans memorial, which is located directly in front of Negaunee City Hall. Officials at the Negaunee Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 316 suggested Mattson take on sprucing up the memorial, which is about 70 years old and in need of repair. The project will help him earn Eagle Scout honors.
“So many people in my generation just don’t know that much about veterans or the sacrifices made by people in the military,” Mattson said for a Mining Journal story on the matter. The memorial, which was built in 1949, contains hundreds of names on brass tags. Many are worn or damaged, and some are illegible. The backboard and the wooden crest that frames it are worn and in need of paint.
Mattson is in the process of raising $12,000. The state could match that amount if the goal is reached by June 2. City officials, meanwhile, helped set up an online donation site.
The memorial project will help spur development of a community plaza at the site, which may include a new flag pole, walkways and green space.
People interested in donating can visit patronicity.com/negauneevfw. Donations for the project can also be hand-delivered to the Negaunee VFW post at 208 Gold St. We’d recommend readers seriously consider a donation as the cause is a good one.