GRAYLING – A group interested in the possibility of having a state-operated veterans’ cemetery in Camp Grayling honored our fallen heroes with the laying of wreaths on May 24 at Hanson Hills.
At what may be the smallest military cemetery in the United States, atop Johnson Hill, two National Guardsmen are laid to rest – Pfc. John A. Conroy of Company D and Pvt. George A. Laine of Company A, both of Michigan’s storied 125th Infantry Regiment.
This tiny cemetery may be the spark Crawford County needs to garner the attention and favor of legislatures to choose Grayling as the site for a state-operated veterans’ cemetery. “Grayling has been looked at twice in the past as a possible location, given its abundance of state-owned land and proximity to I-75,” says Wayne Koppa, former guardsman assigned to Camp Grayling, now retired, who is leading the effort, “Now we just need to see it to fruition.”
For more than 100 years, Grayling has been hosting the training of military at Camp Grayling.
“It’s ingrained in our community. To place this cemetery some place other than Grayling would not be appropriate,” Koppa said.
Crawford County Commissioners, along with Grayling Township and the City of Grayling, passed a resolution last fall in support of the effort.
Interested parties met at the Hanson Hills parking lot and guests were transported via available four-wheel drive vehicles to the cemetery located at the top of the hill for a brief ceremony and remarks.
