Veterans Wall of Honor Planned for Wilson Park

A plan to build a Milan Veterans Wall of Honor at received a boost from the on Monday night. The council unanimously approved the project, which will give residents the chance to honor any veteran who has ever resided in the 48160 ZIP code or attended Milan Area Schools.

Organizers hope the $58,000 project, which will be funded entirely by donations, can be completed in time for Veterans Day.

The idea came from Tom Dupuis, a U.S. Navy veteran who served in the Vietnam War. A few years ago, Dupuis visited his cousin in Missouri.

“He told me that he paid $100 to have his name engraved on a veterans wall at a nearby park. We went to visit it. We got to the park, and it was drop-dead gorgeous. I just loved it,” said Dupuis.

He returned to Milan and continued to think about the wall.

“I thought it would a great idea for Ford Lake. I talked to Councilman Mike Armitage, and we decided that maybe Wilson Park would be the better destination,” Wilson said.

The idea made a lot of sense for Milan, Armitage said, so he began batting the idea around town.

“I have friends who served in the military. Even those who serve in peacetime sacrifice so much for this country. And those people serving overseas are making an incredible sacrifice for us. I think it makes sense to honor their work,” Armitage said.

At the same time, Armitage sees it as a way to beautify the city.

“We’re going to be making a major improvement to our great park. It’s right downtown and across from the lake. So this is something a lot of people are going to see and enjoy. I think it’s something Milan will be proud of,” he said.

The veterans wall will be located at the entrance to the park, in the area that currently houses the Blue Star Memorial that honors World War II veterans. That plaque will be removed from its concrete backing, refurbished and mounted onto a boulder in the new plaza, which will also feature new flower beds, a bronze statue, brick pavers and the veterans wall.

The veterans wall be made of gray granite encased by two stone columns. Armitage said the gray granite was chosen because engravers can add new names to the wall on-site in the future.

“Gray granite is made in America, while black granite is made in China. It seems appropriate with a project of this nature to use American-made goods when possible,” Armitage said.

Footings will be added so that additional pieces of granite can be added to the display in the future.

To fund the project, organizers are asking that people pay $100 to add a Milan veteran’s name to the wall. Armitage hopes he receives at least 150 names by July 1.

Residents who wish to support the project can also purchase brick pavers. The pavers will be engraved with the donor’s name. Armitage also hopes to get the support of local service clubs.

“Part of this project is a statue that costs $4,500. I’m hopeful that a local group or club will take ownership of elements of the project to help this along,” Armitage said.

Another idea for raising funds is to seek corporate sponsorships in return for recognition on the dedication plaque. Armitage also plans to apply for grants from the Greater Milan Area Community Foundation.

While Armitage admits the Veterans Day construction goal is ambitious, he’s confident that Milan will come through.

“As soon as the council meeting was over, five people submitted names to me. The next day, I got an email with 14 more names. I think this is something the community will support as the word gets out,” he said.

The project has the support of the local VFW and American Legion posts.

Dupuis said he hopes to see the Milan Veterans Wall of Honor up by Veterans Day.

“I don’t think we thank veterans enough. Building a beautiful wall in a peaceful and tranquil park across the street from that beautiful lake would mean a lot to me,” Dupuis said. “A lot of people associate these walls with deceased veterans. But I like the idea of going to the park and seeing my name up on the wall. I think that would be great.”

To contribute to the project, download this form, fill it out and mail it to Michael Armitage, c/o City of Milan, 147 Wabash St., Milan, MI, 48160. To learn more about the project, visit this website.