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Michigan Veterans' Memorial Park Commission

Michigan Veterans' Memorial Park Commission

The Michigan Veterans' Memorial Park Commission was established by authority of Public Act 234 of 1988 and Executive Order 2001-10

The Michigan Veterans' Memorial Park & Vietnam Monument is a public memorial honoring those who have served in the United States Military. The Michigan Veterans' Memorial Park Commission is responsible for establishing procedures for the use of the Memorial Park and Monument which is managed and maintained by DTMB.

Make a donation to the MI Veterans Memorial Park
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    Lindell Holm
    Email: holmL1@michigan.gov

    John Juarez 
    Email: juarezj@michigan.gov

    Vacant, Assistant to the Commission 

    Vacant, Commissioner 

    Andrew Cosgrove 
    Email: cosgr1@star.lcc.edu

    Gary Quinn 
    Email: gcq113211@gmail.com

    Robert Price 
    Email: robertpricesr135@gmail.com

    Gregory Havrilcsak 
    Email: greghav@umich.edu

  • 2024 MEETING SCHEDULE   

    • February 12, 2024 - CANCELLED
    • April 8, 2024 
    • June 17, 2024
    • August 19, 2024
    • October 21, 2024
    • December 16, 2024

      Time: All meetings are scheduled for 1:30pm - 3:30pm

      Location: All meetings are held virtually, via Microsoft Teams, unless otherwise noted. On-site meetings will be held in Lansing at location listed below:
      FS Directors Audit Conference Room
      2nd Floor-South wing, Elliott-Larsen Bldg.
      320 S. Walnut Street, Lansing, MI

      Individuals who need mobility, visual, hearing, written or other assistance for effective participation may email DTMB ADA Coordinator TJ Richardson (RichardsonT14@michigan.gov) 10-14 days prior to a request accommodation. Requests received after that date cannot be guaranteed, but efforts will be made to provide the accommodation.
  • 2024 Meeting Notes

    April 8, 2024 - MEETING NOTES

    2023 Meeting Notes

    December 11, 2023 - MEETING NOTES

    October 16, 2023 - MEETING NOTES

    August 21, 2023 - MEETING NOTES

    April 17, 2023 - MEETING NOTES

    March 20, 2023 - MEETING NOTES

    2022 Meeting Notes

    August 22, 2022 - MEETING NOTES

    April 18, 2022 - MEETING NOTES

    February 28, 2022 - MEETING NOTES

    2021 Meeting Notes

    December 6, 2021 - MEETING NOTES

    June 21, 2021MEETING NOTES 

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    Event Request Form and Information

    Events held at the MVMP should align with the purpose of the Park. The Michigan Veterans' Memorial Park is maintained as a place of honor and memory where veterans and visitors can sense the serenity, historic sacrifice, and nobility of purpose of those who have served the Nation in the military.

     

    If you would like to conduct an event at the Michigan Veterans' Memorial Park, please print and fill out the DTMB Event Request Form. Please review all guidelines referenced in Section 3. Completed forms should be returned to: DTMB-Events-Coordinator@michigan.gov.

     

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    The purpose of these guidelines, appendices, schedules, and other associated requirement documents is to provide guidance on the appropriate design, size, and procedures for the acceptance of donation of memorials to the Michigan Veterans' Memorial Park Commission (MVMPC). The Michigan Veterans' Memorial Park is maintained as a place of honor and memory where veterans and visitors can sense the serenity, historic sacrifice, and nobility of purpose of those who have served our nation in the military. These documents contain criteria and information to instruct Donor Organizations, the MVMPC, and DTMB on the donation and acceptance of Memorial Monuments, including the Application Process regarding proposals, installation, approval, and reporting of donations of Memorial Monuments.

    If you have questions regarding the application process, please contact:

    John Juarez, Commissioner
    Email: juarezj@michigan.gov

    Dana Schafer, Assistant to the Commission
    Email: schaferd1@michigan.gov

    Documents

    MVMP Monument Application Process

    MVMP Monument Application Checklist

    MVMP Monument Application Cover Page

    MVMP Conceptual Design

    MVMP Landscape Requirements

    MVMP Fee Schedule

     

  •  

    The Michigan Vietnam Monument honors the Michigan residents who served and those who died in the Vietnam War during the 1960s-1975.

    Designed by New York architect Alan Gordon, the monument features an arc-shaped steel wall that is 120 feet long and 10 feet high. It is suspended three feet above the ground, supported by a steel tension cable. 

    The names of casualties from Michigan are listed by county in alphabetical order on 15 lighted plaques made of brushed steel. Names of those Missing in Action (MIA) at the time of construction are bracketed with asterisks. An alphabetical list of names in an engraved book and a scale model are located near the northwest entrance to the monument. At the east end a plaque describes the purpose of the memorial. The years "1959" and "1975" appear on the back side of the steel wall, defining beginning and ending dates. 

    Opposite the wall, an arc-shaped bench includes metal plates to represent casualties from U.S. states and territories, plus those who are unknown. 

    LOCATION 

    The monument is located in Michigan Veterans Memorial Park, located in downtown Lansing near the Hall of Justice building

    Directions to the park, with a map.

    VMC Mission Statement 

    The Michigan Vietnam Monument Project is an opportunity to recognize, honor, and learn from both the Michigan residents who served, and from those who, by death, missing in action, or prisoner of war sacrificed their life in Vietnam. 

    The Monument is intended to provide a place for future generations to reflect upon America's longest and most controversial war, one that divided the nation, and was fought by soldiers whose average was 19 years. 

    Completion of construction will continue the healing process for the Vietnam veterans, their family members, and the countless numbers of individuals and organizations who were profoundly affected by this war. 

    The monument's dedication will provide the "welcome home" 

    Bypassed during the turmoil of that time. To this end we dedicate our labors, 

    And invite the State and the Nation to join in this task. 

    Michigan Vietnam Monument Commissioners 
    November 11, 2001

     

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    The MVMP Commission would like to thank the Michigan Supreme Court Learning Center for creating the following informational guide about the Michigan Vietnam Veterans Monument:

    Michigan Vietnam Veterans Monument Teacher-Led Activities

     

  • The beginning of the New Year is a good time to look ahead at important military holiday dates in the upcoming months. There are many dates and observances set aside specifically to recognize military members and their families throughout the year.

    While all of us at Homes For Our Troops believe in honoring Veterans and Servicemembers every day, we have compiled a list of significant military dates to mark on your calendar for 2024.

    Feb. 3, 2024 – Four Chaplains Day – A day to remember the four U.S. Army chaplains who made the ultimate sacrifice when the USAT Dorchester sank during World War II.

    Feb. 19, 2024 – Coast Guard Reserve Birthday

    March 3, 2024 – Navy Reserve Birthday

    March 13, 2024 – K-9 Veterans Day – The date is the official birthday of the United States K9 Corps and a day to honor their service.

    March 25, 2024 – Medal of Honor Day – A holiday to honor the heroism and sacrifice of Medal of Honor recipients for the United States.

    March 29, 2024– Vietnam Veterans Day – A national holiday to recognize and honor Veterans who served in the military during the Vietnam War.  The Michigan Vietnam Monument, located on Michigan Veterans Memorial Park in Lansing, honors the Michigan residents who served and those who died in the Vietnam War during the 1959 – 1975 time period.  Learn more about Michigan's Vietnam Veterans Monument here.

    April 5, 2024 – Gold Star Spouses Day – A day dedicated to those whose spouses gave their lives while serving in the U.S. military or as a result of service-connected injuries or illness.

    April 14, 2024 – Air Force Reserve Birthday

    April 23, 2024 – Army Reserve Birthday

    May 1, 2024 – Silver Star Banner Day – Per Congressional resolution, it is an “Official Day to honor wounded, ill, and injured Veterans”.

    May 10, 2024 – Military Spouse Appreciation Day – This date recognizes the service and sacrifices of military spouses.

    May 13, 2024 – Children of Fallen Patriots Day – A day to honor the children left behind by the brave men and women who gave their lives while defending our freedom.

    May 18, 2024 – Armed Forces Day – Observed on the third Saturday every May, this is a day dedicated to paying tribute to men and women currently serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.

    May 27, 2024 – Memorial Day – A solemn occasion to honor the men and women who died while serving in the military.

    June 6, 2024 – Anniversary of the World War II – Allied invasion in Normandy, France, now known as D-Day.

    June 14, 2024 – Flag Day – A day to celebrate the adoption of the U.S. flag.

    June 14, 2024 – Army Birthday

    June 23, 2024 – Coast Guard Auxiliary Birthday

    June 27, 2024 – National PTSD Awareness Day – A day to bring awareness about issues related to PTSD.

    July 4, 2024 – Independence Day

    July 27, 2024 – Korean War Veterans Armistice Day

    Aug. 4, 2024 – Coast Guard Birthday

    Aug. 7, 2022 – Purple Heart Day – A time for Americans to pause to remember and honor the brave men and women who were either wounded on the battlefield or paid the ultimate sacrifice. Michigan has honored these services members with the Michigan Purple Heart Memorial, which is located next to the Michigan Vietnam Veterans Monument. Learn more about National Purple Heart Day.

    Aug. 29, 2024 – Marine Forces Reserve Birthday

    Sept. 11, 2024 – Patriot Day – An annual observance to remember and honor those who were injured or killed during the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

    Sept. 18, 2024 – Air Force Birthday

    Sept. 20, 2024 – POW/MIA Recognition Day

    Sept. 29, 2024 – Gold Star Mother’s and Family’s Day – A day to honor the families of fallen Servicemembers.

    Oct. 13, 2024 – Navy Birthday

    Oct. 26, 2024 – National Day of the Deployed

    Nov. 10, 2024 – Marine Corps Birthday

    Nov. 11, 2024 – Veterans Day – This is the anniversary of the signing of the armistice treaty, which ended World War I and is also a day to thank military Veterans for their service.

    Dec. 7, 2024 – Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day – The anniversary of the day Japan attacked Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, signaling the United States’ entrance into World War II.

    Dec. 13, 2024 – National Guard Birthday

    Dec. 20, 2024- Space Force birthday

    The MVMP Commission would like to thank the Homes For Our Troops (HFOT) for developing the list of “IMPORTANT MILITARY HOLIDAYS AND OBSERVANCES FOR 2024”