In May of 2016, local business people, civic leaders and military Veterans formed a Michigan non-profit corporation - The Veterans Tribute of Oakland Township or VTOT - for the purpose of erecting a tribute to military Veterans in the Township. Retired Army Colonel, businessman and Township resident, Timothy Reese, leads a group of four VTOT Directors. The goal of the VTOT is to honor the patriotism and valor of military veterans, past, present and future. The VTOT also wants to provide a space for local civic, educational, religious and related groups to hold appropriate ceremonies throughout the year. A renowned local architect, landscape designer and engineering firm came together and designed a unique, inspirational, open and airy concept. The Tribute’s focal point will be six massive glass panels, 14 feet tall and 4 feet wide, one for each of the Military Services - Army, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard, Merchant Marines and Air Force in ascending order of the date of commission. Each glass panel will be laser inscribed with the Service crest, the date the Service was established and the Service’s motto. These glass panels will be lit with internal LEDs so each will glow with the etchings highlighted. The glass panels will rise from a semicircular granite base on which the words, “UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES” will be inscribed in large letters. At the center of the radius will be a large American flag in a granite base with an inscription to honor disabled Veterans. The laser engraved paving bricks will be available to the public for individual recognition.
