Farmington American Legion Honors Vets with Memorial Wreaths

Each year, representatives from the gather at the war memorial in Farmington's  on the first Saturday in December, to honor local veterans. 

Memorial wreaths, placed by Post Commander Ralph Philp, Miss Farmington Elise Newcomer and Farmington resident Brian Golden, honor and remember troops lost in battle, Philp said. But they are also a reminder to think of America's veterans during the holiday season and all year through. 

"That's what the goal of the Legion is, to help the veterans and the troops," he said. 

Nikolas Dewit, 11, a member of Boy Scout Troop #110 and a Power Upper Elementary student, attended the ceremony with his family to "honor all of those who died in the wars and to bless them." The only member of his troop to attend, he said the ceremony was "exciting and fun". 

Post #346 aims to dispel some of the negative images of Legionaires, Philp said. Members hosted a group of homeless veterans from a Detroit shelter for a spaghetti dinner in November and provided them with warm winter coats as well.

Newcomer is collecting winter clothing that will go to veterans at the Michigan Veterans Foundation, as well as to needy families in Detroit's Joy-Southfield neighborhood. "Blizzard Buddies" drop-off locations throughout Farmington and Farmington Hills include:

 25200 Grand River, Farmington

 31775 Grand River, Farmington

 35000 Grand River, Farmington

 34740 Rhonswood, Farmington Hills

 33336 Grand River, Farmington