Small groups gathered on both sides of Grand River near the Fire Station, with a larger crowd at the site. People came alone and carrying large flags, or in twos and threes. Families were there with young children, and many veterans and a few presumably active duty troops in fatigues, too. At 12:07, the vehicles escorting the girder came into view. A large contingent of Rolling Thunder Chapter 5 on their motorcycles, a military Hummer, various police cars and fire trucks were part of the procession, as well as the truck with the flag covered girder.
Fire Chief Larry Lane addressed the crowd, as well as Capt. Gregory Mowbray, who was one of the six Brighton Area Fire Department personnel that travelled to NYC to pick up the girder.
The truck was positioned near the memorial, and a lift was used to hoist the girder into place. As each clip on the memorial was attached to the girder, the crowd applauded. Shortly after the last clip was affixed, some in the crowd started to quietly sing “God Bless America.” Many more joined in.
Chief Lane and Capt. Mowbray then presented the folded flag that had covered the girder en route to the memorial site to Jim Lemke, a local veteran and member of the Rolling Thunder contingent. The girder was covered with a black cloth until tomorrow’s formal dedication, which will occur at 9:00 am.
The memorial looks even better than the architectural renditions that I’ve seen. If you’re available tomorrow morning, consider attending the official unveiling. Grand River will be closed at 8:15 am from Main Street to Cross (near the Meijer store), but a shuttle will be running from Meijer’s to the Fire Station. Chief Lane suggested that you try to arrive no later than 7:30 as a large crowd is expected.
