BY MATT MACKINDER
Clarkston News Editor

Lakeview Cemetery is a place where those that have passed on can be remembered by surviving loved ones.
The cemetery has also been known for a cannon, which had been located in the veterans’ memorial area, where the traditional Memorial Day ceremonies had ended in years past.
These days, the cannon is no longer in the cemetery, but officials with Independence Township hope to help get it back there soon.
“The VFW is obligated for the care and maintenance of the cannon,” said Independence Township DPW Director David McKee. “They removed it a couple of years ago to get some restoration done as it was in bad shape. It’s my understanding that the cannon still belongs to the Department of Defense. They issue these old pieces to VFWs and American Legions across the country for display purposes under the condition they keep them looking good. If not, the DoD will take the piece back.”
McKee added the VFW individuals who started to repair the cannon are all volunteers and “restoring the cannon back to acceptable condition is no easy task for a bunch of veterans in their 70s.”
“What it mainly needs is a good cleaning or sandblasting to get the old paint off and a paint job,” said McKee. “It’s my understanding the VFW has new tires and the paint but lack the facilities and or equipment to have this work done.”
Independence Township is assisting the VFW with the restoration efforts as much as possible, but McKee said the township’s hands are somewhat tied.
The township will help with any transportation needs to assist with the project, however.
“We just want the cannon back at Lakeview Cemetery where it belongs,” McKee said.
Lakeview Cemetery is located at 6150 White Lake Road.