August 27-31, 2014 Ludington City Park
A special publication of the Ludington Daily News
Honoring Our Nation’s Heroes SPORTSMAN’S
RESTAURANT & IRISH PUB A downtown family tradition for over 59 years 111 W. Ludington Ave., Ludington • 843-2138
About the keynote speakers Major Sean Quinlan, Retired Sean Quinlan retired after 27 years with the USMC and being selected for promotion to Lieutenant Colonel in order to train civilians, teachers, and students in the leadership skills that he learned over his decorated military career, and to spend more time with his family. From 2008-2012, Sean was responsible for the United States Marine Corps Officer and Enlisted Recruiting Mission for Recruiting Station Des Moines, Iowa, which covers parts of five states and 160,000 square miles. From 2004-2007, Sean Quinlan served in various tours of duty including the 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, Command of Co D, OIF 05-06.1 and as a Company Commander for Co D, 2nd LAR Bn in Western Al Anbar Province, Iraq. Major Quinlan’s personal decorations include the Bronze Star with (“V” Combat Distinguishing Device) Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (2nd award), the Navy Achievement Medal (3rd award), Good Conduct Medal (3rd award) and the Combat Action Ribbon.
Major General Jerry Cannon, Retired
Throughout his military and law enforcement careers, Jerry Cannon has lived the values of sacrifice and service. People have counted on him to step up, serve our community and protect our way of life in northern Michigan. A Vietnam veteran, Jerry served as a Major General in the Michigan Army National Guard and was deployed around the world. After serving as a Marine in Vietnam, Jerry joined the Army National Guard in 1977, retiring in 2012.
State Rep. Ray Franz
State Rep. Ray Franz of Onekama was re-elected to a second term for the 201314 Michigan Legislature. He served in Vietnam, 19681970, and was awarded the Bronze Star.
Dr. Rick Plummer Rick Plummer is a professional actor, director, and theater educator, having acted and directed in more than 200 productions in a 45year career. Dr. Plummer is also a Vietnam combat veteran, serving in the United States Navy both in-country and aboard ship from October 1968-September 1970. He has taught theater at several major universities and colleges and is now proud to direct the theater and performing arts program at West Shore Community College
The Rev. Doug Welch Rev. Doug Welch served in the U.S. Army from Jan. 4, 1967 until Aug. 17, 1970. He served with the 1st Air Cavalry, 239th Aviation Assault Helicopter Squadron, 2nd of the 7th Cavalry, F Troop. He has been a minister since 1980 and still serves when he is needed.
Veterans THANK YOU FOR YOUR COURAGE
The Mason County Cost of Freedom Tribute brings the American Veterans Traveling Tribute to Ludington, on August 27-31, 2014. This moving memorial is an 80 percent replica of the Wall in Washington, D.C., and will be on location for four days in Ludington City Park. Along with the Vietnam Memorial Wall, the AVTT has displays of those who have given their lives in the defense of freedom from all major conflicts, a tribute to those who have died on 9/11 and many more unique displays and performances. See map on the back page of this section. Highlights and Displays Include
• 80 percent replica of original Vietnam Wall • “Vietnam Remembered” art display • Walk of Heroes collection • WWII and Korean tribute collection • Afghanistan: Stands Alone (Ryan Spencer Reed) Photographic documentary of training and deployment to Afghanistan • American Red Cross (SAF) and Spectrum MASH tent for any medical needs • Bereavement tent - with counselors and clergy to help • Name/locator tent - Computers for identifying names will be available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Books will be available afterhours. • 9/11 Tribute Display (Friday Night Ceremony) • Through the Eyes Interactive Display Tent - exhibit designed to honor the men and women who lost their lives and served in the Vietnam War • Oral history interviews conducted daily • Gold Dog Tag Collection for Global War on Terror • Keynote speakers and music performances (See schedule to the right)
www.masoncountywallproject.com
ABRAHAMSON’S TOWING Mason County’s Finest Local & Long Distance Towing 925 E. Melendy Street, Ludington
(231) 843-2990
Mason County
Cost of Freedom Tribute Noon
Wednesday
Riders gather at Oceana County Fairgrounds 3 p.m. Riders depart fairgrounds 4 p.m. Escort arrives from Hart 4:30 p.m. Missing man table ceremony (Manistee Rolling Thunder) 4:45 p.m. Music performance Tom Noteware & Friends
** Following the escort, food and refreshments will be available for a minimal fee at the Ludington American Legion and Custer VFW Post
8 a.m. 4 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 6 p.m.
Friday
Raise Colors (Honor Guard) - Invocation - National anthem Mason County Central Jazz Band First responder tribute - John Henderson - Grand Traverse Pipes and Drums - In Memory of Trooper Butterfield Taps and retrieval of colors (Honor Guard)
Saturday
8 a.m. Raise colors Thursday (Honor Guard) Noon Opening ceremonies - Invocation - Raise colors - National anthem (Honor Guard) Noon Keynote Speaker - Invocation Rep. Ray Franz (U.S. and speaker Army) - Local Vietnam Veteran Dr. Rick Plummer Speaker - Doug Welch (USN Vietnam (U.S. Army Veteran) Veteran) - Patriotic Choir - National Anthem/ and Orchestra Pledge of Allegiance directed by Becky - Wreath Ceremony Sopha and Lew Wilson (Custer VFW) Music Performance 3 p.m. Native American Blessing 4 p.m. Chloe Kimes and family 6:30 p.m. Ryan Cox, Mayor - Echoes from the Wall: - Speaker Maj. General Special Tribute Jerry Cannon (U.S. Army) 7 p.m. Musical performance 5:30 p.m. Gold Star families 8 p.m. Taps and ceremony retrieval of colors - Releasing doves in (Honor Guard) honor of fallen comrades
6 p.m. 8 p.m.
- Medal of Honor recognition Keynote Speaker Maj. Sean Quinlan (Ret. U.S. Marine Corps Commander) - Vietnam Veterans Call to the Wall - Final Salute - Rifle Salute Taps and retrieval of colors (Pending: Coast Guard flyover)
Sunday
8 a.m. Raise colors (Honor Guard) - Invocation - National anthem Noon Lone Rider Ceremony - Closing taps and retrieval of colors
- Benediction/Exhibit closes
** Bring a lawn chair or blanket for programs throughout the weekend. ** Guide dogs only
Who we are
The Mason County Allied Veterans Council is made up of The American Legion • Edwin H. Ewing Post #76, Veterans of Foreign Wars ª Gold Bar Post #5096, AmVets • William R. Charette Post #82, Veterans of Foreign Wars • Delbert E. Brimmer Post #6842 Our purpose of the Council is to co-ordinate all veteran activities of this county in the most effective and efficient manner; to secure harmonious co-operation among and between the organized veteran units of Mason County and to promote and develop interest in veterans affairs.
We salute the brave men and women who have gone to battle for America.
You are all Heroes!
YOUR Success is OUR Success • We Belong to you 1200 E. Tinkham Ave., Ludington • 231/843.2323 www.safeharborcu.org
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AVTT Merchandise Trailer
Volunteer and Information tent (Golf Carts)
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Name locator tent
Restrooms available at Lewis Street and Ludington Avenue
Daughters of the Revolution and
Through The
Band Shell
Ludington Area Center for the Arts
Eyes Exhibit
Programs held throughout the weekend
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19 Afghanistan: Stands Alone By Ryan Spencer Reed
Spectrum MASH Tent American Red Cross Recording of
Oral Histories
Sponsors Include: Ludington Daily News • Lake Michigan Carferry • Western Land Services • Spectrum Health • All Seasons Porta-Jons, LLC. • Indian Summer • Post Traumatic Growth Institute • IOS • CBMC • Ludington Beverage, Inc. • MS Furnished Apartments and Homes • Republic Services • Pump Engineering and Supply • Urka Auto Center • UAW • Farm Bureau Insurance • Whitehall Industries • Midas • American Legion Auxiliary • American Legion Post No. 76 • AmVets • Dean’s Auto Body and Sales • State Farm Insurance • Chuck Wagon • Cone Drive • Creative Canvas • Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States • Hardman Construction • Fraternal Order of Eagles • FloraCraft • Community Foundation for Mason County • Great Lakes Castings • Hankwitz Heating and Cooling • House of Flavors • Lakewinds Dental Center • Oxychem Corporation • Safe Harbor Credit Union • Scottville Clown Band • Bela Floral • Hardman Construction • Maude’s Garage • The Giving Tree • Home Depot
TIRE & SERVICE, INC. 1944 W. US 10 (Between Ludington & Scottville)
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE TO OUR COUNTRY
(231) 757-4761