A Legacy of Loyalty and Service

National Veterans Day celebration set for next Monday, Nov. 11 

    As the fervor and excitement of the presidential election continues across the country, one of the most significant remembrances of true American patriotism will take place next Monday, Nov. 11.
    That special date is reserved as an opportunity for the entire country to celebrate the genuine patriotism alluded to in so much political rhetoric over the past few months. This year, Veteran’s Day, a day for all Americans to honor those who have served in the U.S. armed forces, comes as an aftermath of a contentious and divisive presidential campaign. This federal holiday designed to unite the country in a tribute to those who have served in any branch of the military, is observed on Nov. 11 to commemorate the armistice signed between the Allied powers and Germany which took place on Nov. 11, 1918, ending major hostilities of World War I.
    The theme for Veterans Day 2024 is “A Legacy of Loyalty and Service,” and to honor the service of so many, there will be no mail delivery and banks, and all non-essential federal and state offices will be closed, hopefully to remind all Americans of the sacrifices made by so many during both war and peace as they served in any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces.
    Originally known as Armistice Day, the day marks the formal end to World War I which ceased on the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918 when the Armistice with Germany went into effect. At the urging of major U.S. veteran organizations, Armistice Day was renamed Veterans Day in 1954. Legally, two minutes of silence is recommended to be observed at 2:11 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.
    Veterans Day is distinct from Memorial Day, a U.S. public holiday in May: Veterans Day commemorates the service of all U.S. veterans, while Memorial Day specifically honors those who have died while in military service.
    In 1945, World War II veteran Raymond Weeks from Birmingham, Alabama, had the idea to expand Armistice Day to celebrate all veterans, not just those who died in World War I. Weeks led a delegation to Gen. Dwight Eisenhower, who supported the idea of National Veterans Day. Weeks led the first national celebration in 1947 in Alabama and annually until his death in 1985. President Ronald Reagan honored Weeks at the White House with the Presidential Citizenship Medal in 1982 as the driving force for the national holiday. Elizabeth Dole, who prepared the briefing for President Reagan, determined Weeks as the “Father of Veterans Day”.[7]
    Congress amended the bill on June 1, 1954, replacing “Armistice” with “Veterans,” and it has been known as Veterans Day since.
    Canton Township will again honor area service men and women who have served or are currently serving in the Armed Forces during the traditional Canton Township Salute to Service set to begin with a 6 p.m. reception Nov. 11 at The Village Theater at Cherry Hill.
    This special event will also feature memorabilia displays presented in the vestibule of The Village Theater, followed by the program that will take place on the Main Stage. The stage program will begin at 7 p.m., officials said.
    “Canton’s Village Theater is proud to be the host site for this annual event honoring our area’s service men and women, and their families,” said Ben Frick, performing arts coordinator. “Every year, this special tribute brings together the community for a night of celebration and appreciation of those who have put themselves in harm’s way in order to protect our country.”
    Donations for the Veterans’ Administration Ann Arbor Health System will be accepted during the event. Suggested donations include winter hats, gloves, coats, T-Shirts, and underwear in various sizes. Additionally requested items may be found at https://shorturl.at/03I9E. Donations may also be dropped off at the Village Theater through Nov. 24 during regular box office hours. No tickets are required for this free general admission event and all ages are welcome to attend.
    The Village Theater at Cherry Hill is located at 50400 Cherry Hill Road, Canton, MI 48187. For more information, visit www.cantonvillagetheater.org or call (734) 394-5300.

Class act

    Romulus Mayor Robert McCraight joined students, teachers, administrators and parents at the special ribbon cutting officially opening the new media center at Romulus Middle School Oct. 29. In addition toschool officials, several students spoke during the dedication and McCraight said he was impressed with the students who were “really engaged and proud of their new center for learning.” He said he left the event inspired. “Great things are happening in the Home of Opportunity,” McCraight posted on social media.

Northville Township police launch new cell messaging service

    Northville Township police are as close as your cell phone.
    A new text messaging service, PowerEngage, was launched by the township police department last week to provide updates to individuals involved in a police incident. The township is one of the first in Michigan to access the new software designed to keep residents informed when experiencing a non-life-threatening incident.
    The new program also collects feedback to gauge residents’ satisfaction about the interaction with police, officials said, which allows the department to better connect with the community.
    “The Northville Township Police Department is always looking for innovate ways to serve, connect and engage with our community,” said Director of Public Safety and Chief of Police Scott Hilden.
    “In today’s on-demand society, we recognize the importance of sharing progress as it happens with those involved in a case. It comforts people knowing they are top of mind with our officers. Using this tool, helps us expedite the process and it allows us to discover how the public feels about the job we are doing.”
    A sample text may include notification when an officer has been dispatched to the resident’s location, the case number and pre-arrival instructions. Texts may include, “Officers are on the way to the crash you reported. If you were involved in the crash, be sure to wait in a safe location. Please move vehicles off of the roadway, if possible.”
    Text messages are sent minutes, hours or, if more investigation is involved, days after the incident and will ask citizens to take a quick survey about their experience with their call for service. It also will allow residents to provide their own comments or have an opportunity to thank the responding officer.
    “Of course, if our residents prefer to call or stop by with feedback, we welcome that as well,” Hilden said. “We now provide more options with the help of PowerEngage, and we want our residents to know that it’s not a substitute for a personal interaction or for calling 9-1-1 for any emergency or to report criminal activity.”
    Another benefit is the information provides key data to help police improve services, Hilden said.
    “With every initiative and innovation, we strive to leave Northville Township and our agency in a better place.”
    “We are embracing this technology because it will help our residents and that’s so important,” said Northville Township Supervisor Mark J. Abbo. “Information soothes you when you’ve been touched by an incident. It also helps because it shows the Northville Township Police Department is actively working to assist you. We strive to be helpful in everything we do and it begins with transparency and two-way communication,” Abbo added.

County funding OK’d for Westland and Friends of Rouge projects

    The City of Westland and the Friends of the Rouge are among 13 recipients of economic development funding recently approved by Wayne County Commissioners. The total funding approved by the commission last week was $19.8 million which augments some $170 million in community projects ranging from creating new residences and preservation of historic structures to development of walkways, greenways and recreation areas, according to a prepared statement.
    Other support for the projects will come from the state, local foundations and private individuals. The projects are separate from the American Recovery Act projects previously approved for funding by the commission and not subject to federal deadlines.
    “These projects fall into four categories: education, workforce development, affordable housing and parks and recreation,” Commission Chair Alisha Bell (D-Detroit) said.
    The Friends of the Rouge organization based in Plymouth will receive $4.59 million to help develop the Rouge Gateway Greenway, the second phase of a 20-year walkway project linking Detroit and suburban communities.
    The City of Westland was awarded $2.5 million to create the Nankin Square community center adjacent to city hall in the City Centre District.