• Thursday-What'sUP May 9 - 08:05 am

When our boys were younger, we spent a good number of days coaching and watching them play baseball at this very spot, but I was surprised (and pleased) to see the changes when these pictures arrived from Paul Roberts. The VFW - Bay Post 6028 dedicated and named the ball field for the local vets, but they must have figured that wasn't quite enough, so they also added a Roll of Honor, listing the Dollar Bay area men and women who have served our country in the armed services. The bridge spanning over the water filled ditch was designed by Dennis Lahikainen and on the bottom arch, says that it's dedicated to Samuel H. Sowka, Lt. Col. 1919-2004. What a beautiful addition to their community and a wonderful way to honor their home town men and women.

In case you weren't aware, May 10th through May 17th is Armed Forces Appreciation Week, throughout the State of Michigan. This newly proclaimed week came about through the cooperative work of Keweenaw Care Corps head, Dennis Korby and State Representative Mike Lahti, to honor military personnel. In the Houghton-Hancock area, the third annual "Parade of Thanks" will take place on May 17th to do just that. Be sure to come out in support of and to express your thanks to the veterans that have served and also the people serving at the present time. Fly your Flag proudly!

During Michigan Tech's graduation ceremony on Saturday, the 5 Army ROTC's and the 5 Air Force ROTC's were commissioned and received their diplomas ahead of the other undergrads. When they had all been announced and commissioned, they received a standing ovation from the entire audience, including all of the grads. It brought tears to my eyes. They received the only standing ovation of the entire commencement ceremonies, that lasted nearly 3 hours.

Thank you, to all of our Military service members and to their families for their service to our country!

Dennis Lahikainen was a multi-tallented artist who worked with a variety of mediums;even the bronze sculpture of the woodsman in Dollar Bay. A few of his numbered litho's of the Quincy Hoist in the fog, are still available.

Another area talent, John Backman, worked last summer refreshing the paint on this fitting tribute.

How beautiful! And what an awesome way to honor veterans! Speaking of which, we have a military ball tonight! Can't wait to get home and participate in the activities next week!

A very nice tribute to all of the Dollar Bay men and women who serve and have served in the US armed forces. For me, it has been 21 years since I’ve been back in Dollar Bay. I’m honored to know and have known many of the names listed on the VFW board.

For a small Michigan town of less than 1,000 in Michigan’s UP, Dollar Bay has produced many a fine citizen and soldier over the town’s past 100+ years. Not many towns can say the same.

JT

WOW! A very honorable way to express Thankyou!

Great to see pictures of Dollar Bay! The Honor Roll used to be located at the high school but was moved when the VFW dedicated the ball field.

Thanks to all those who are serving or have served!

I am very proud to be from Dollar Bay. I haven't been back home since 2002,the stone bridge wasn't there then. The baseball field was moved around so the Sun wouldn't be in the outfielders eyes around 1963 or so. The backstop used to be where right field is now.I make it a point to stop and read the Roll Of Honor and say a prayer of thanks. Thanks for the pictures today and always.

I remember the Honor Roll being on the corner by the HS. Last time I was UP there, my sister and I cruised the halls looking at the grads.

Come on, Wake up

This brings back memories. I lived in Dollar Bay in the late 60's and early 70's and played many Little League baseball games on that field. Gary Schmitz was our coach. Dollar Bay had some pretty good teams back then. It was great how many people would stop and watch.

Scott Irwin, the story on the Honor Roll being moved is a little different. When they built the new building the Honor Roll was knocked down and left in the mud. My brother and brother in law were irate and decided to do something about it. My brother was going to restore it in the spring but unfortunatly he died suddenly on April 1 of that year. If I understand some of the Dollar Bay ladies did a lot to get it redone. A group of Mothers were the ones who earned the money to have it built originally. It sure is a beautiful area now. It is right across from our old home.

Fran, thanks for the background on the Honor Roll. It's a shame that it had been just knocked down. You know what they say....never assume .