By Theresa Ekdom
ST. HELEN – Battlefield crosses were created to honor the fallen service members. A deceased troop’s rifle is planted, barrel-first, into their boots and their helmet is placed on the top of the rifle. This is a long standing tradition, which has evolved since its first use on the American Civil War battlefields. According to the website ‘We are the mighty’ (wearethemighty.com) despite the fact that it’s called a cross, there’s no single religious ideology attached to the practice. St. Helen’s Veteran’s Memorial park has been established since 2011.
Steve Pitt and a number of other residents in St. Helen recently created a committee, Veterans & Friends for the Battlefield Cross, to raise funds to add a Battlefield Cross to the park. “Volunteers will build the base,” Pitt said. “The cross will cost around $5,000. The bronze plaques will cost around $1,100 for one and $550 for the other. The rest of the funds will go for the foundation and cement work.”Their fundraising goal is $10,000. They would like to have a dedication Veterans Day weekend, 2018.
Donation canisters are set up at local businesses including BS Liquor, Firehouse Bar & Grill, Kizzy’s Donuts, The Hen House, St. Helen Hardware, Sheffields Auto, St. Helen Bait & Tackle, Old Michigan Tobacco Co., Suds Laundromat, and Mr. B’s Deli $ Café. A fundraiser is planned at the Firehouse Bar & Grill, Sept. 15 at 8 a.m. at Birch Pointe Golf Club, and Oct. at the Hen House (date to be determined later).
They are also looking for businesses or individuals to become Gold Star Donors – for a donation of $100 or more they will get their name on a plaque.
Committee members include Eddie Childs, Steve Pitt, and Tom Craine. For more information, call Steve at 989-965-6599.
