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| Historian Tom Dilley was special guest |
A special ceremony took place at Alpine Center Cemetery, 2400 7 Mile Rd. NW as the Alpine Township Historical Committee dedicated a new headstone in memory of those whose remains are buried at the cemetery but whose original gravestones were either damaged, missing, or unrecognizable.
37 of such gravestones were identified and their names are now engraved in the new memorial along with the heading "THOUGH THEIR GRAVESTONES MAY BE GONE OUR ANCESTORS WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN"
Most on the list are normal every day ancestors, although it includes a distinguished Colonel Edward Wheeler who served in the war of 1812 and later became Alpine Township Supervisor.
The weather did not deter a number of residents and history buffs from attending the ceremony. The project was headed by Historical Committee members Martha and Peggy Brechting. The headstone was provided and prepared by Tom Cheslek of Sparta. Also participating in the ceremony were members of Michigan Boy Scout Group 223 who raised the flag, and bag piper David O'Neil. Special speaker was history buff and former attorney Tom Dilley, we recently authored "The Art of Memory" Historic Cemeteries of Grand Rapids Michigan. Historical Committee member Pat Cederholm served as Master of Ceremonies. Township Supervisor Alex Arends offered a brief dedication address.
The cemetery grounds also hosts the Alpine Township Historical Museum which was open and from where refreshments were served.
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| The wind and rain did not keep en enthusiastic crown away |
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| With high winds,Trustees Schweitzer and Wahlfield served as pole bearers |
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| Some sought shelter from the wind and rain as long as they could |
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| Members of Boy Scout Troop 223 |
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| Flag Ceremony before singing of National Anthem |
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| Special Guest Tom Dilley |
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| Add caption |
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| David O'Neil playing Taps |
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| Finally some shelter from the wind |
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| The celebration continued inside |
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| Another great community event |
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