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An impressive plaza dedicated to the fallen of Kent County Grand Rapids Veterans Memorial & Honor Rolls
Fountain St at Division
Grand Rapids, Kent County

"They perished defending us"

"Erected by the citizens of Grand Rapids

With funds voluntarily subscribed therefor and dedicated November 11, 1926. To the memory of the men and women of Grand Rapids who made the supreme sacrifice in the service of their country in the World War."

This is an impressive presentation, but visiting here can sometimes be unpleasant. The plaza is dominated by two huge cenotaphs constructed to hold honor roll listings for the fallen of World War I, the "World War." The citizens that offered their money to commemorate the fallen didn't foresee that just a few years later the country would fall upon hard times - the depression era in which thousands of surviving veterans would be castigated as hooligans and shot at by American soldiers in the nations capitol.

Each pillar holds four
Honor Rolls of WW I

On the day of my visit to photograph the honor rolls I was approached by one of the many indigents that inhabit this plaza. He asked why I was taking photos and I explained my purpose. After a moments pause he just said, "Thanks, there's not many around here that remember why this park exists." I thought I was going to hear the typical 'hard luck veteran' story, but I was surprised. He explained that he and many of his friends were veterans of VietNam. He knew a few of the fallen as he was growing up. Without any measure of remorse or regret he further explained that most of them, himself included, were what are considered 'bums' with various addictions. They hang around this park not because it's the center of the city and ripe for panhandling but, according to him, "Here I know that my service was appreciated at one time."

He offered a handshake and left after suggesting that I visit a couple of other memorials that he knew about. I finished my task quickly, doing a less than admirable job of getting all the names in good fashion. I left thinking just how sad it was that only a half mile from here was a state supported veteran's home overflowing with others like my new friend, but more fortunate because they at least had a place to call home.

If you live in a large urban area of these United States you probably know of a park like this one. Dedicated to the glory of those that defended us, but tarnished by the lives of those have nowhere else to live. If it bothers you to see these men there, think of what they must feel. And then, if you feel the least bit of compassion, find the nearest veterans service organization and make a nice donation - with the request that it go directly to the state veteran's homes.