The local GAR post disbanded in in 1926, the last of their members died shortly thereafter All Wars Memorials
Carson City, Montcalm County
"Erected by the citizens of Bloomer Township under the auspices
of Julius T. Barrett Post No. 173 G.A.R. and W.R.C. 76 in memory of the soldier dead"
"We honor those of this community who served in the Armed Forces of our nation
during World War I and World War II. Their service preserved for us the freedom, equality, humanity,
and justice that are the basic principles of our government."
"In memory of those who died that freedom might live and grow, and increase its blessings. Their sacrifice
of life and fortune must always be an inspiration to each of us who live."
"In honor of those veterans who served so that we may continue to enjoy freedom and democracy, and in
loving memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice during the
"In honor of those veterans who served so that we may continue to enjoy freedom and democracy, and in
loving memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice during the
KOREAN CONFLICT."
VIETNAM CONFLICT."
Every Memorial Day for the past 30 years a small scene of dedication has played out in one corner of this local cemetery. Early in the morning a car arrives and a VietNam veteran, dressed in his BDU's, steps out and walks to the gravesite of a comrade that died during that war. Chris Scalise stands throughout the day, answering questions from all that ask why he stands there, cold and lonely. "I was just a kid from Detroit that found a good friend in a kid from nearby Perrinton, Mark Daniels. We made a promise to visit each other every Memorial Day after we left VietNam. He died over there in a fire fight and I've just never forgotten him, or the promise to visit."
That veteran, like so many others, is aging and finds it more difficult to keep his promise with each passing year. Military service is a bittersweet experience for many. It offers great opportunities to make fine friends and see exciting places. It also, without exception; pulls us apart in so many ways, and so unexpectedly.
