5,642 names of soldiers who died in conflict on wall
HARRIS -- It's a reminder of sacrifice on this Memorial Day weekend. The Iraq and Afghanistan Memorial Wall in Harris this weekend has drawn many to remember those who lost their lives serving their country.
Faye Mrocckowski couldn't help but break down on Saturday as she found the names of the two soldiers who were killed by an I.E.D. in Iraq, the same explosion that left her son, Derek Gagne, with partial vision and without a leg.
"I'm very happy that Derek did come back," said Mrocckowski. "But in my heart, I wish they all could have come home."
Mrocckowski is one of many people who visited the Iraq/Afghanistan Memorial Wall at the Island Resort and Casino. It's managed by a committee from V.F.W. Post 3674 in Iron Mountain. The wall includes 5,642 people in all. That's the number of soldiers who died in the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts since 2001.
"You can't comprehend the ultimate sacrifice these soldiers are taking until you see all the names in one place," said committee member, Chuck Lantz.
This year, the Island Resort and Casino donated the trailer to transport the wall. The committee is relying on donations from Upper Peninsula communities to help pay for moving the wall around all summer.
"Just for like gas and getting the wall there," said Cindy Hurkmans, "and there's constant updating and materials that need to be bought."
Donations can be sent to V.F.W. Post 3674, c/o Iraq & Afghanistan Memorial Wall, 1625 N. Stephenson Avenue, Iron Mountain, Michigan 49801.
If you'd like to see the wall when it's on display at the Island Resort and Casino, it will be open Sunday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on Memorial Day from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.