A new Vietnam Veterans Memorial was dedicated during a ceremony Tuesday afternoon on the Bay College Escanaba campus. Bill Lake, a Vietnam Veteran, member of the Bark River American Legion, and retired Bay Board member, spearheaded the effort. The Patriot Guard riders were on hand with giant American flags, as were local dignitaries and community members
“I’m really touched,” an emotional Lake told RRN News. “Touched by the people who are here, in remembrance of all those people that served with me, and served before and after me. It’s a wonderful thing. We always need to remember that this is what keeps us free. Our veterans. And people who work hard to make sure it happens.
Bay College President Laura Coleman says a lot of people worked to make this happen.
“As a military brat, and proud of it, my grandpa, my dad, and my brother, all retired from the Air Force,” Coleman told RRN News. “So, I know the feeling and the impact it has on families. I’m exceptionally proud of Bay College for putting this up today. Very thankful to the board members and all of the people that contributed to the fund to be able to put up a wonderful, wonderful monument to our veterans.”
The new memorial is located in the courtyard near the red maple and weeping willow trees that represent the blood and tears shed for fallen soldiers…and were planted by local Vietnam Veterans.
