On Thursday, June 30, the Veteran’s Memorial Statue in Centennial Park was dedicated by the Oxford American Legion.
Hundreds of veterans old and young gathered to honor the 44 men from Oxford who were killed in action and are named on the statue.
James Parkhurst, of the American Legion Post 108 read about the various wars served by veterans and what it means to those who survived.
‘The flag still stands for freedom and we would gladly stand next to her today,? he said.
Oakland County Commissioner Bill Patterson spoke highly of the new statue.
‘This is a symbol of independence,? he said. ‘It is these people here that helped us maintain our independence.?
The president of the Women’s Auxillary of the American Legion, Pat Bliss, layed a wreath at the foot of the statue as all veterans saluted the fallen.
Parkhurst was also given a surprise tribute from the state of Michigan for his efforts to get the statue in the park.
‘We hope this statue stands a long time,? said an emotional Parkhurst.
The evening ended with the First Baptist Church of Lake Orion singing patriotic songs like Grand Old Flag, God Bless America and Blessed Is the Nation.