• Friday-What'sUP June 20 - 03:35 pm

While traveling through the U.P. heading downstate recently, we spotted this Veteran's Memorial in Au Train's Serenity Pines Cemetery while driving by, so we made a note to stop on our way back through to check it out and take some pictures. We were certainly glad we did, because it was well worth the stop, as it is amazing the amount of thought and work that went into honoring Au Train Township men and women who have served our country. I dare to say it is one of the most impressive local memorials I've seen.

The pamphlet I picked up there says:
"Our dream is to construct a memorial, an "All Veterans Memorial," dedicated to Au Train Township veterans who have honorably served their country. Whether their duty was stateside or halfway around the world is irrelevant, during peacetime or war does not matter. From currently serving veterans to their fore-fathers of the civil war, the Au Train Township Veterans Memorial is being built for them."

The bricks you see with names engraved, are part of a fundraising effort they call their "Walk of Honor". People can purchase one or more bricks and have it inscribed with your name or message and you do not need to be a Veteran or a resident of Au Train Township to have your name or a loved one's name on these bricks.
The $35,000 cost was funded completely by donations, including donated materials and labor. Quite a tribute to their Veterans!

great story and place. I think just about every town should have a place like this, to Honor.

to honor AND remember :O)

Hurray for the small towns and communities in da UP! They just exhibit a heap more patriotism, respect and honor for our country, service members, and veterans than most "big cities" — with memorials such as this, and parades at the drop of a hat in nearly every town as well. Norman Rockwell and Grant Wood paintings come to life! Gotta love 'em!

Well said, FRNash!

What a beautiful tribute to the veterans!

Could not have said any better FRNash!!!! God Bless our Vet's and America!

That is fabulous! Thanks Mary!!

WOW! And what FRNash said! Those are terrific
pictures, Mary! Some day I hope to visit that
cemetery. I love walking around cemeteries to
honor the dead and that one would be like no other
I've seen.

Thanks, Mary, for stopping to get these pictures!

"If you don't stand behind our troops, try standing in front of them" - I'd like to have a bumper sticker like that. Well stated!

Beautiful tribute to our U.S. Veterans.