Politics & Government

Ford, UAW Kick in Remainder of 'Heart of America' War Memorial Tab

The "Heart of America" war memorial in Mount Clemens will be unveiled Sunday.

Ford Motor Company and United Auto Workers Local 400 of Shelby Township have kicked in the remaining costs for the "" memorial in Mount Clemens.

The 9-foot solid granite, 7,000-pound sculpture will be unveiled at 1:30 p.m. Sunday in front of the Macomb County Administration Building on Cass Avenue at Northbound Gratiot in Mount Clemens.

Shelby Township Veterans Coordinator Phil Randazzo initiated the project more than 10 years ago, and has collected over $50,000 in donations from private donors to pay for the memorial. And at the 11th hour, UAW 400 along with Ford CEO Alan Mulally endorsed the project and agreed to pay the remaining balance. 

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Randazzo would not say how much Ford and the UAW paid, but he said it was a substantial amount.

The memorial will have the names of 15 Macomb County servicemen killed in action in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere since war on terror began in 2001.

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"Macomb County lost roughly 160 men in Vietnam but there is no place to remember them," said Randazzo, a Vietnam veteran.  "I don't want to see these guys name get subscribed in stone behind a library where bushes grow. I got them a front row seat so everyone can see why they have their freedoms today."

The memorial was designed by Randazzo’s wife, Norma Jean, who is also veteran. The monument’s body will be in the shape of the Pentagon and at its top will rest design elements resembling the Twin Towers and a globe to represent the worldwide impact of the war on terrorism.

Engraved granite pavers, which can be purchased at www.LincolnGranite.com, will surround the base of the memorial.

Those interested in donating to the memorial can purchase a paver through www.LincolnGranite.com, or call Randazzo directly at 586-739-4046.


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