Media Alert: Michigan Veteran Homes at Grand Rapids to Memorialize Sarah Brooks at New Memorial Garden

Michigan Veteran Homes at Grand Rapids to Memorialize Sarah Brooks at New Memorial Garden

LANSING, Mich.- The Michigan Veteran Homes (MVH) will hold a ceremony to memorialize Sarah Brooks in the new memorial garden at the Michigan Veteran Homes at Grand Rapids (MVHGR) at 10:30 a.m. on July 06, 2021 at 2950 Monroe Avenue, NE, Grand Rapids.

The dedication of the new memorial garden will include a private ceremony to honor Sarah Brooks, who was the Department of Michigan American Legion Auxiliary Hospital Representative at MVHGR. Brooks had volunteered since 1958, having logged over 60,000 hours of service which is the equivalent of working 40 hours a week, 52 weeks a year, without a single day off for nearly 29 years. The wife of Army veteran John R. Brooks Sr. and mother to Navy veteran Sandra Jennings, Brooks passed away this last Veterans Day. Remarks will be led by Tracey Nelson, administrator of MVHGR; Bruce Kalish, chaplain of MVHGR; Betty Rhodes-Machen, secretary of the American Legion Auxiliary Crispus Attucks Unit #59; and Robert Troost, resident member and past president of the member's council at MVHGR. The ceremony will include the revealing of a silver-plated memorial plaque, installed at the base of a sugar gum tree donated by Twin Lakes Nursery of Grand Rapids, and bench seating for members to enjoy the outdoor space.

"Mrs. Brooks' commitment and dedication to serving our Heroes was a legacy of selfless acts of service," said Tiffany Carr, community engagement coordinator for the Michigan Veteran Homes. "When we learned of Mrs. Brooks' passing, the members, staff and volunteers rallied to honor her service in a prominent way at the Home for all members and guests to enjoy."

The conceptualization of the memorial garden was led by Robert Troost and a campaign was launched to raise funds to establish the memorial garden. Over $6,000 was raised by the community-at-large to establish the garden for the benefit of members and to honor Brooks' extraordinary service.

As a veteran's advocate, Brooks had been a member of the American Legion Auxiliary Crispus Attucks Unit #59 for 75 years, having held many offices in the local, state, district and national auxiliary organizations. She had volunteered for Scarlet Rangers Drum & Bugle Corps, Grandville Senior Neighbors, the Retired Senior Volunteer Program, Mary Free Bed Hospital, Kent Community Hospital since 1990 and was Past Chapeau of 8 et 40 La Boutique, an organization that supports children with respiratory diseases. Brooks, along with others, helped locate the Unknown Black Soldier at Oak Hill Cemetery in Battle Creek.

Those who wish to make contributions to benefit members to include life enrichment or therapeutic programs or on-site projects such as the restoration of the historic Hebe Fountain may visit our support page. Media are requested to set-up prior to 10:00 a.m. and RSVP to Michael Kroll at krollm2@michigan.gov .