2003 Year in Review

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Positive steps for a Veterans Memorial in Morrison...

Morrison residents and veterans need to know how hard a few people have been working to create a new memorial park for fallen Morrison veterans of all wars and conflicts. With the lead of the Morrison Historical Preservation Committee and encouragement from the mayor's office, Morrison is close to realizing an appropriate addition to Grove Hill Cemetery with a well designed space which can be enjoyed by all community members and especially family members of those who have perished in armed conflicts fighting for America and Americans. Those Morrisonites who have given the ultimate sacrifice for their country will soon be given a memorial all of the community will be proud of.

This will be an ongoing series by this writer to keep those people interested in the memorial informed until the completion Memorial Day 2004 at which time it will be dedicated.Please give a "thanks" when you see the Stralows who brought home the howitzer (see Larry Gatz article) at no charge from the Rock Island Arsenal and Gary Brackemeyer for memorial ideas and Bruce Hunter for painting the howitzer and for Senator Peter Fitzgerald for helping obtain the howitzer. Thanks to the Morrison Historical Preservation Committee under the capable guidance of Dick Groharing along with Barb Benson, Roger Grau, Don Mulnix and Bill Shirk with the encouragement of Mayor Drey.

This new memorial park is important for many reasons not the least of which it is a tremendous reminder that our nation has been served by Morrison fallen veterans from several wars. All of whom will soon have their names permanently inscribed so that for those who view and enjoy the memorial park might realize their freedom has been and will always be preserved by those willing to fight for them.

by Bob Vaughn, theCity1.com
June 19, 2003