“We did get a lot of feedback. They want us to do this event again next year in June. It was probably one of the best ones we’ve had — they loved it. We had veterans that came from the VA, too. It was a really good turnout, perfect for our first year,” said Jennifer Castro, a city administrative assistant/accounts payable clerk who helped organized the picnic and worked on the banner program.

The banner program drew 24 participants, much more than they hoped, Castro said.

“We thought we might get 10,” she said. “Everyone, families loved how they turned out; they were a good size, they liked where they were placed. Lodal Park turned out to be a great location. There are a lot of events at the park, so they get a lot more visibility.”

Information about the banner program will be included in the city newsletter that is sent out with tax bills, encouraging others to participate. For more information, people can call City Hall at 906-774-3526 or apply on the city’s website, https://www.kingsfordmi.gov/.

The Kingsford High School Concert Chorale performs at a special picnic for veterans June 12 at Lodal Park, when the new Hometown Heroes banners were unveiled. (Submitted photo)

The banner program was organized by Ken Wood and Dale Trombley, who first brought the idea to the Citizens Advisory Committee for approval and then to the city council last summer.

The banners feature photos of the veterans along with service information. They were purchased by family members or the veterans themselves.

The 30-by-60-inch vinyl banners will hang on utility poles from Memorial Day through Labor Day for three years. After three years, the sponsor will receive the banner.

Residents honored with banners are: Nobel A. Carlson, U.S. Navy in World War II; Bobby W. Henry, U.S. Navy in WWII; Thomas Hosking Jr., U.S. Marine Corps in WWII; Walter G. Mette, U.S. Army in WWII; Evo P. Santoni, U.S. Army in WWII; Ronald L. LaCost, U.S. Marine Corps in Korean War; Donald C. Sjoquist, U.S. Army in Korean War; Patrick R. Thomas, U.S. Army in Korean War; Andrew M. Berlinski, U.S. Air Force in Vietnam; James R. Boughner, U.S. Navy in Vietnam; Kenneth E. Davis, U.S. Navy in Vietnam; James A. Flaminio, U.S. Air Force in Vietnam; Bradley J. Freeman, U.S. Army in Vietnam; Garrett F. Lee, U.S. Army in Vietnam, killed in action; Robert M. Nelson, U.S. Air Force in Vietnam; Douglas K. Powell, U.S. Army in Vietnam; Randall D. Trumble, U.S. Marine Corp in Vietnam; James E. Servia, U.S. Army in peacetime, 1959-1962; Brent E. Freeman, U.S. Air Force in peacetime, 1985-1989; Robert E. Beaudry, U.S. Navy/U.S. Army in Gulf War; Michael J. Tershner, U.S. Army in Gulf War; Douglas E. McDaniel, U.S. Army in Operation Enduring Freedom; Joseph W. Floriano, U.S. Army National Guard in Operation Iraqi Freedom; and Scott D. Person, U.S. Army National Guard in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Featured speaker for the June 12 picnic was Angela Hall, a dentist at the Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center and president of the Breitung Township School Board.

Angela Hall, a dentist at the Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center and president of the Breitung Township School Board, spoke at a special picnic for veterans June 12 at Lodal Park. The event also served as the official unveiling or the Hometown Heroes banners that are hung at the park honoring Kingsford residents. (Submitted photo)

Kingsford Mayor Joseph Groeneveld and Mayor Pro Tem Daniel Freeman offered remarks as well, with Freeman also serving as emcee.

“Today’s program honors past and present service members — living and deceased — who served honorably — and proudly considered Kingsford their home. Through this program, families and friends generously purchased banners to recognize their veteran, ensuring their service and sacrifice are visibly honored within our community,” Freeman said at the event. “The banners you’ll see displayed throughout Lodal Park and along Breitung Avenue stand as a lasting tribute to those who have served and to the families who support them.”

At the picnic, the Kingsford High School Concert Chorale performed “God Bless American,” “In Flanders Fields” and “Salute to the Armed Forces.” The Sons of the American Legion 363 presented and retired the colors and Cub Scout Pack 3510 and Boy Scout Troop 510 led the pledge. Mabel Irish sang the National Anthem.

The city expressed appreciation to Marc James of Next Myle for assisting with the sound, the Iron Mountain Legion Post 50 for donating a tent and Midway Rentals for donating six tables and 50 chairs for use during the event, plus the numerous volunteers who helped.

———

Marguerite Lanthier can be reached at 906-774-3500, ext. 85242, or mlanthier@ironmountaindailynews.com.