(l-r)Art Cosier, American Legion; Howard Crozier, American Legion; Sheriff George Lasater; Ron Crozier, Sons of the American Legion; Bill Bricker, VFW; Mike Balgenorth, Eagles; Sheryl Lange, American Legion; and Dean Kleinschrodt, American Legion, take time for a picture in Veterans Memorial Park with a new sign indicating the fund raising efforts of the group.

The plaques with names of veterans were saved and the American Legion approachedÊÊ Sheriff George T. Lasater of the Charlevoix County Sheriff's Office to ask if the prisoners could assist in cleaning up the tributes.

The Sheriff obliged and since that time he has kept the idea in the back of his head to do more for the veterans. On Thursday, May 1 the community took a big step in that direction.

In a cooperative effort, the American Legion, VFW, the Eagles, the Lodge in Boyne City and Lasater all got together and resurrected a sign in the park to remind people they are taking this project seriously.

"The sign is to let people know that we are doing this on fundraisers and donations. We have raised over $12,000 so far," Lasater said. "The completion date depends on the money. We break ground hopefully on Memorial Day. It depends on how much money we get for how big it can be and how long it will take to go up."

The group is hoping to add other wars in addition to WWII to recognize everybody in Boyne City.

Lasater served in the Air Force and his father was in WWII so this project takes on a special meaning for the Sheriff. In 2001, Lasater put a book together on Charlevoix County's contribution in WWII with 1,000 copies printed.

"I touched base with the American Legion and the VFW and said let's do something with these plaques in recognition. We all got together and started making plans for fundraisers," Lasater explained. "I was able to have a successful book and gave $10,000 for seed money to get it started."

Lasater said there is not a week that goes by he doesn't receive requests for the book so he decided to print up more copies.

"There are great stories. What people went through and the stories bring tears to your eyes. They make you chuckle and make you very proud," Lasater said. "They really should be a movie they are so great. One small county with all these stories is amazing."

Contact Citizen Bank, any members of the Legion, VFW or Eagles for information on the fundraising efforts.

Jeff Bergren can be reached at jbergren@michigannewspapers.com or by calling 231-582-6761.