News Summary
The Veterans’ Memorial at Rural Hill Cemetery in Northville Township requires urgent repairs to honor nearly 170 fallen soldiers. VFW Post 4012 highlights the cemetery’s deteriorating state, emphasizing moldy headstones and unsafe walkways. With an estimated repair cost of $15,000, community support is crucial as the VFW struggles with funding. Local residents are encouraged to donate to preserve this important site of remembrance.
Northville, Michigan – The Veterans’ Memorial at Rural Hill Cemetery in Northville Township is in urgent need of repairs to preserve its legacy and honor the nearly 170 fallen soldiers it commemorates. According to Commander Ed Huyck of VFW Post 4012, the current deteriorating state of the cemetery necessitates significant maintenance efforts that are currently beyond the financial capabilities of the post.
Maintaining the cemetery is the responsibility of Commander Huyck and a small group of active members from VFW Post 4012. However, they face challenges as the grounds show signs of neglect, with headstones covered in mold and dirt requiring both thorough cleaning and realignment. Additionally, the entrance arch to the cemetery suffers from rust, while the guard rails are in need of extensive repairs. One of the most pressing issues is the condition of the walkway, described as extremely rutted and worn out, indicating that replacement is vital for safety and accessibility.
The estimated cost for the necessary repairs to restore the cemetery is around $15,000. Despite the critical need for funding, VFW Post 4012 lacks the financial resources to cover these expenses. As the situation stands, reliance on the city is limited primarily to lawn maintenance, adding to the urgency for community support.
Call for Community Support
Commander Huyck hopes the community will step up to help fund the necessary repairs to the Veterans’ Memorial. He emphasized that the state of the cemetery is a source of sadness, highlighting the importance of honoring the sacrifices made by local servicemen and women. Donations are encouraged to ensure that this memorial can continue to serve as a place of remembrance and respect.
How to Contribute
There is currently no deadline for donations, allowing community members to contribute at their convenience. Those wishing to assist can make monetary donations to the Northville VFW Post 4012 Veterans Cemetery Fund. Contributions can be sent directly to their address at 438 S. Main St., Northville, MI, 48167.
Background on the Cemetery
The Rural Hill Cemetery has served as a resting place for veterans since its establishment. Commander Huyck and the VFW strive to maintain the integrity of this site, ensuring it reflects the honor due to those who have served. The maintenance challenges they face are not uncommon, as many veterans’ memorials across the nation encounter similar issues related to funding and upkeep.
Without community involvement and financial backing, the future of the Veterans’ Memorial at Rural Hill Cemetery remains uncertain. By contributing to the fund, residents of Northville and surrounding areas can play a crucial role in preserving this vital piece of local history and honoring the memory of veterans who have given so much for their country.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- CBS News: Donations Sought for Veterans Memorial in Northville Township
- CBS News: Organization Seeking Donations for Veterans Memorial Repairs
- ClickOnDetroit: Memorial Day Ceremonies and Parades in Metro Detroit
- Dignity Memorial: Wallace Hill Obituary
- Patch: Memorial Day Weekend Parades and Services in Metro Detroit
- Wikipedia: Veterans’ Memorial
- Google Search: Veterans Memorial Repairs
- Google Scholar: Veterans Memorial Maintenance
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Memorial Erection
- Google News: Veterans Memorial Fundraising
Author: STAFF HERE NORTHVILLE WRITER
The NORTHVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENorthville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Northville, Wayne County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Summer Concert Series, Tunes on Tuesday, and the Northville Farmers Market. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Northville Chamber of Commerce and Northville Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in automotive, software, and retail that power the local economy such as Gentherm, Reliable Software, and Attendance on Demand. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
