Pandemic halts building of memorial
Fundraising must be accelerated to move toward the goal of building the Michigan WWII Legacy Memorial in Royal Oak – honoring the state’s role in World War II at home and overseas.
The site will provide a place for education, reflection and outdoor activities in Memorial Park, at the northeast corner of 13 Mile Road and Woodward Avenue in Royal Oak.
The pandemic and economic shutdown limited fundraising and events in 2020. The memorial did see some successes though, such as the first of the life-size bronze statues being completed, and the hosting of virtual Victory in Europe Day and Victory Over Japan Day celebrations – thanks to the support of Royal Oak cable station WROK and the new Royal Oak City Manager Paul Brake.
But Michigan WWII Legacy Memorial also experienced a great loss this November with the death of board member Michael Cameron, whose father Dave was the founder of Honor Flight Michigan. In Cameron’s memory, the nonprofit is redoubling its efforts to raise the funds needed to build the memorial.
To donate, visit www. mi chi ganww 2 memorial. org, call 888-229- 6126 or send a check made out to The Michigan WWII Legacy Memorial to P.O. Box 8237 Royal Oak, MI 48068.
• Free food distribution: Oakland County Farmers Market hosts
Gleaners Community Food Bank’s biweekly free food distribution event from 9 to 11 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 13, at 2350 Pontiac Lake Road, Waterford. Food will be safely placed in attendees’ trunks while they stay in their car. Walking guests also welcome while social distancing. For more information, visit http:// bit.ly/ OCResourcesCOVID19.
• Friday Fish Fry: Oxford American Legion Post 108 hosts a carry- out only Friday Fish Fry from noon to 8 p.m. Jan. 8, at 130 E. Drahner Road. Cost is $9 to $11 for a variety of fish and chicken dinner choices. For more information, call 248- 628-9081.
• Latest COVID-19 updates: The Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency offers the latest COVID-19 updates including assistance and resources. For more information, visit www.michiganveterans.com. Although the Michigan Veterans Af
fairs Agency is unable to accept visitors in Lansing at this time, they remain committed to serving Veterans 24/7 through their toll-free hotline, 1-800-MICH-VET (1-800642- 4838), and additional programs.
• Mental health resources: The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs offers services and resources dedicated to helping veterans with depression find treatments that are best for them.
For more information, visit www.mentalhealth.va.gov/depression/nextstep.asp.
The Oakland Press is interested in all veterans events in Oakland County. Please send info in the body of an email with subject line “Veterans Affairs” to Sharon Longman at sslstart@aol.com. Allow two weeks’ notice for scheduled events and include a phone number for readers to call for more information.