Page 12 - Scene Magazine August 2021 46-08
P. 12

  Local Interest
BY AARON D. EDLEFSON, MPA
Director, Calhoun County Veterans Affairs
     and admiration? Throughout my life I have been to several places that have elicited such feelings. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom (where the Decla- ration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights can be viewed), Old North Church in Boston (where lanterns, of Paul Revere fame, were hung to alert American revolutionaries of British movements), Independence Hall in Philadelphia (where the Declaration
of Independence and the Constitution were signed), and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery are examples of places I have been where I have been struck with these feelings. Another is Fort Custer National Cemetery located in Augusta, Michigan (15501 Dickman Road). Originally es- tablished as Fort Custer Post Cemetery, the first interment took place on Septem- ber 18, 1943. In September of 1981, it
officially became recognized by Con- gress as Fort Custer National Cemetery and was opened as such on Memorial Day of 1982. Perhaps its most recogniz- able feature, the Avenue of Flags, was dedicated on May 26, 1986. Recently,
upkept, it is always peaceful and quiet, and it offers beautiful views. Even more important, the cemetery serves as a perpetual resting place for our nation’s heroes. Thousands and thousands of men and women who have sworn to support and defend the Constitution against foreign and domestic enemies, some of whom gave their lives in that defense, have been forever interred within the sacred grounds of Fort Custer National Cemetery. Looking at grave markers as you walk the grounds you can see a brief glimpse into their service, but so much
of their stories are untold. In addition to Veterans being laid to rest at Fort Custer, spouses of Veterans are also eligible for burial with the Veteran they were married to. If you are able to visit, Fort Custer National Cemetery is open for visitation 365 days a year from dawn to dusk.
Have you ever been somewhere that has a pro- found feeling of reverence? A place where you are awed into silence by an underlying feeling of respect
Fort Custer National Cemetery
a columbarium was installed to accom- modate more veterans. I have been there numerous times and it never fails to amaze me. The grounds are meticulously
 Providing services for veterans and their families.
Federal Benefits Emergency County Burial and Programs Assistance Benefits Benefits
                                                                                              (269) 969-6735 • 190 East Michigan Avenue, Third Floor, Battle Creek, Michigan calhouncountymi.gov/departments/veterans_affairs/index.php
If you have questions specifically re- lated to Fort Custer National Cemetery, they can be reached at (269) 731-4164. The office at Fort Custer is open Mon- day through Friday, 8am to 4:30pm. If you have questions regarding any other benefits for Veterans, including burial benefits for private cemeteries, please contact us. Calhoun County Veterans Affairs can be reached at (269) 969- 6735. If you would prefer to reach us by e-mail, you can do so at va@calhoun- countymi.gov.
  12 SCENE 4608 I COMMUNITY FIRST



















































































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