n April 7, an energized crowd of an 
estimated 400-plus attended a spirited 
groundbreaking ceremony for Phase I of 
The Michigan WWII Legacy Memorial 
in Royal Oak’s Memorial Park. The 
memorial will be a place to inspire, 
educate and honor Michigan’s legacy of 
sacrifice, ingenuity and commitment in 
defense of our freedom on both the war 
front and home front, where we famously became known as the 
Arsenal of Democracy.
In 2013, the state Senate and House passed resolutions offi-
cially recognizing The Michigan WWII Legacy Memorial as the 
state’s tribute to its contributions during WWII. Shortly thereaf-
ter, then-Gov. Rick Snyder signed a special tribute endorsing the 
recognition by the legislature. 
Phase I includes the laying of more than 1,200 donated Walk 
of Honor engraved brick pavers, installation of a full-sized 
statue depicting a soldier reading a letter from home, the instal-
lation of flagpoles for each branch of the military and our state 
flag, plus the pouring of footings for a Wall of Stars and future 

Jewish War Veterans 
help to break ground 
on The Michigan WWII 
Legacy Memorial 
in Royal Oak.

A March in the Park

ALAN MUSKOVITZ CONTRIBUTING WRITER

14 | APRIL 28 • 2022 

ON THE COVER

O

JIM HOUSE, WINDING TRAIL PHOTOGRAPHY

