Township Officials to Pursue Monument for Military, Police, Fire

West Bloomfield Township officials are working to erect a monument in memory of those who defend, protect, and serve citizens every day.

The local chapter of the nonprofit organization Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. presented plans to erect the monument during Monday night's board of trustees meeting.

The "Tomb of the Unknown Soldier" is a jet black, granite monument which will likely be situated somewhere at or around West Bloomfield Police Department headquarters, said Township Supervisor Michele Economou Ureste.

According to the group, the monument will mention military service personnel, police, and firefighters who are either living or deceased.

The Supervisor added that she will pursue fundraising to cover the cost of the monument, estimated at a little under $3,000. By special request, the monument will include the name of Officer Patrick O'Rourke, who was later promoted to Sergeant, in the wake of his death on the job in September. 

The Macon-Thomas West Bloomfield Chapter of Tuskegee Airmen, Inc., is one of over 50 chapters nationwide, dedicated to honor the accomplishments of the popular group of African-American World War II military veterans.

Chapter President William Burnett said that in 1940, the group of Air Corps pilots became the first African-Americans in the United States armed forces. Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. exists to spread the story through its membership, which is open even to civilians.

For more information, including ways to donate, visit tuskegeeairmen.org.