In the next week, we will be celebrating the 80th anniversary of our VFW (Northville Post 4012). During my childhood, the remembrance ceremony that VFW organized on Memorial Day was the highlight of the weekend, and it is still extremely important to the community.
Sacrifice for this country that we all love has been a part of our family’s DNA going on five generations in Northville. My mother was born on Armistice Day, the day WWI ended. As a young adult, she was a “Rosie the Riveter” at the Willow Run B-24 Liberator Bomber plant in Ypsilanti, which was part of the Arsenal of Democracy. My father was in WWII, where he served as a Proud Marine (is there any other kind?).
Today it is my honor and privilege to congratulate our VFW Post on their 80 years, along with our American Legion (105 years strong), for their service and support for our veterans.
Before we look at the VFW activities through the years, let’s see what’s going on today!
- Mill Race Village – Stroll through the newly bricked lane at the Village and take in this living history museum. Support the Historical Society by becoming a member (Link) or by engraving a brick (Link).
- Tipping Point Theatre – Attend the latest show, Halftime with Don. Link
- Northville: The Winter Water Wonderland history lecture – Wed, 1/22, 7pm at Mill Race Village. I will highlight the Ville's exciting recreational activities on the rivers, lakes and hills through the seasons. Link
- Best of Billy (Joel) & Elton (John) Concert – Sat, 1/25, 7pm at Marquis Theatre Link
- Valentine Tea – Sat, 2/1, 1pm at Mill Race Village. Learn about vintage Valentines and enjoy delicious treats paired with Cady Inn Tea. Link
- Northville Community Awards Dinner (Public Invited) – 2/6, 5pm @ Genitti’s, followed by presentations @ the Marquis Theatre, sponsored by the Chamber Link
INFO FOR CITIZENS …
Projects Around Town
- Ford Field – Phase I (Winter): Infrastructure @ Randolph Drain, Phase II (Spring) Vista overlook, fencing, staircase & ADA entrance, play structure engineering…’26 Bathrooms.
- Riverwalk – Retention Pond at Downs dug & Riverbed constructed (rocks & timbers being added). Historic Log Cabin positioned, and other sections being engineered.
- Downs Initiative – Streets/Curbs poured & Vertical rough carpentry for Toll Brothers’ models for Town Homes built on Center Street for the 18 units on 7 Mile/Sheldon.
- Grants that Support Northville’s Community Initiatives -Link
NEW TASK FORCE MEETINGS
- Cemetery Restoration Task Force – Next Meeting 2/10. Stop by Oakwood Cemetery to see progress. Contact Dave Marold for info/support @ [email protected]
- Bicentennial Task Force – Next meeting 2/13. Volunteers are welcome to join work teams (Tours, Transportation, Ford Field and Riverwalk Activities, along with the Time Capsule). For info, write [email protected]
LET’S TALK ABOUT HISTORIC VFW DATES AS WE READY FOR THEIR ANNIVERSARY”
1899 – The idea of an American organization for veterans was the inspiration of a group of Spanish-American War soldiers in 1899.
1914 – The same group of Spanish American war veterans that began talks in 1899 started the National VFW organization.
1920 – A companion support organization to VFW is the American Legion (Est. 1919). Northville’s Lloyd Green Post 147 was founded the next year in 1920. It is named after a young communications courier who was a Northvillian and was a casualty of the Great War (WWI).
1945 – Veterans wanted to establish a Northville VFW Post to help the flood of service members returning from WWII to adjust to civilian life. The Post was formed on Jan. 30, 1945. In October 1945 the Northville Auxiliary of the VFW was also formed to support the community.
1949 – Till this year, the original 102 members of the VFW Post met in the upper room of the Kroger store (then on Main St). The group decided to purchase Jenny Lind’s furniture store on South Main St. where the post remains to this day.
1995 – A 50-Year VFW celebration was hosted at the old High School (Old Village School on Main St). Members of the Northville American Legion Post 147 were guests of the VFW Post. They all enjoyed patriotic, civic and charitable activities (The Northville Record).
2025 – On 1/25 (Saturday) the VFW will be celebrating their 80th anniversary with a function at their Post, where I will have the honor and privilege to recognize their service.
Our Northville VFW POST (4012) and our AMERICAN LEGION are part of the fabric of our community, and we in the Northville area are truly indebted to their Teams for all they do.
From the bottom of my heart, I congratulate our VFW post members on your 80th anniversary and the American Legion for supporting Veterans in our community for 105 years. I especially thank the families of those who served for their sacrifices & dedication through the years.
Finally, on behalf of all Northvillians know we appreciate each & every Veteran for all you have done for the “Freedoms” we take for granted daily. We’re all standing on the shoulders of those who have come before us, and our Veterans are owed our gratitude.
Keep that Northville Faith!