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Michigan Veteran Homes at Grand Rapids Raises Flag, Dedicates New Flagpole for Veterans
May 16, 2022
LANSING, Mich. — Michigan Veteran Homes at Grand Rapids (MVHGR) raised the American flag at a ceremony dedicating a new 100 ft. flagpole on May 13, 2022. Nearly $30,000 was raised to purchase the flagpole and included generous donations by the American Legion Department of Michigan, Dematic Employee Association, Linda Vos-Graham and Kenneth Graham, Sons of the American Legion Squadron #28, Finish the Mission Veterans Relief Fund, AMVETS #23 Auxiliary, VFW Post #8303, American Legion Posts, Auxiliaries and Riders (Post #6, Post #152, Post #208, Post #258, Post #305, Post #356, Post #376, Post #451) and friends and family of the home.
“We are immensely grateful to the American Legion Department of Michigan for leading the fundraising effort to bring one of our cherished symbols closer to our new home so that our members and visitors can enjoy it for generations to come,” said Tiffany Carr, community engagement coordinator for Michigan Veteran Homes.
The fundraising campaign was developed in response to finding a replacement solution for the 30 by 50-foot flag that has been raised on the grounds of the home for more than 20+ years. This year marks the final year the large flag, which can be seen from Riverside Park and Monroe Avenue NE, will greet visitors. The newly dedicated flagpole sits adjacent to the new home which will allow veteran members to view the flag throughout the year and during ceremonies moving forward.
Remarks were led by Richard T. Dubay, a U.S. Air Force veteran and department commander of the American Legion, Department of Michigan; Eric Nelson, a Navy veteran and commander of the United Veterans Council of Kent County; Anne Zerbe, executive director of Michigan Veteran Homes; Bruce Kalish, chaplain of MVHGR; and Lee Walton, a U.S. Air Force veteran, resident member and president of the MVHGR Member Council. The ceremony included a posting of the colors by the Union High School JROTC Color Guard.
Images of the event are available for use: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjzNi7u
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