MANCELONA — Several headstones at cemeteries in Antrim County are clean, thanks to a group of volunteers who are members of Forgotten Eagles Chapter 6.
Eight members of the chapter spent several hours Saturday power washing and scrubbing by hand the headstones of civilians and veterans buried at cemeteries in Alba and Mancelona. They picked up trash and branches and piled them up to clean the grounds.
“Some of the headstones were covered in moss and the names etched on them were not even legible,” said Roger Grody, a veteran and member of the chapter since 2005. “We did this to show our respect and appreciation of the veterans.”
Forgotten Eagles, Inc. is a nonprofit organization that formed in 2002 after a group of veterans shared concerns about the needs of veterans and their families. Their mission includes assisting disabled and needy veterans and to participate in community projects that benefit them. There are four chapters of the Forgotten Eagles, and each covers a different district in Michigan.
William “Bo” Nelson, of Mancelona, is a founding father of Forgotten Eagles and currently serves as the chapter’s vice president. Chapter 6 covers a dozen northern Michigan counties, including Grand Traverse.
During chapter meetings, members discuss suggestions and opportunities to assist veterans in need, Nelson said, adding that the group hosts fundraiser events during the year to make these goals attainable.
Event proceeds allowed for the chapter to purchase food gift cards for veterans residing at the Patriot Place in Gaylord to be used during the holidays. Patriot Place provides transitional housing and other services for veterans in need.
Grody said Chapter 6 also has installed ramps, purchased and replaced water heaters for veterans, and continue to fulfill other duties to help Michigan veterans.
“Not too long ago, we installed flag poles and flags at some veteran homes in Mancelona,” he said. “We are a support group for veterans.”
The idea of cleaning headstones at local cemeteries came up at a Forgotten Eagles meeting.
“One of our members was placing flowers at a gravesite and saw some that were covered in moss,” Nelson said. “Our membership agreed unanimously to take on the task of cleaning headstones. We got a good start on them, but the project could take us into next year if we try to do them all.”
Anyone — civilians and veterans alike — can join Forgotten Eagles. For more information, contact Nelson at 231-350-2293 or visit forgotteneagles.org.