Thousands of memorials in Michigan cemeteries and public spaces honor those who died defending our freedom. Thanks to all who sent in photos and background information for these memorials. Special thanks to those the memorials honor.

Tami and Al Nelson had a feeling that whoever was knocking at their door on the morning after Christmas 2006 wasn’t delivering a belated holiday gift.

They were correct.

Below, see our gallery of war memorial photos from around the state, submitted by Michigan Country Lines readers.

Two soldiers dressed in Class A uniforms informed the St. Johns couple that their son had been killed on Christmas Day in Baghdad, Iraq. PFC Andrew Nelson, 19, also left behind his wife—and high school sweetheart—Kristi Rewerts Nelson.

“I told my family we can’t do anything but accept this,” Al recalls. “We have to move on as best we can. That’s what Andrew would want us to do.”

Moving on has been difficult for the Nelsons, just as it is for thousands of families across the nation who have heard the same “knock at the door.”

A visual reminder of the well-liked student athlete is the “Lest They Be Forgotten” (LTBF) memorial that stands near the main thoroughfare of the St. Johns City Park. Military boots and a helmet, flags and a permanent marker are prominent features at LTBF sites like Andrew’s that dot the landscapes in hometowns across the United States.

Tami and Al first learned about the organization at Andrew’s funeral, where they received a LTBF flag and information.

“Tom Stinnett, who was like a second father to Andrew, was determined that the memorial would happen,” Al says.

Approval by the St. Johns city commissioners moved the project forward, and financial support from area residents and businesses was critical.

“This would not have happened without everyone’s help,” Tami explains.

A total of $36,000 was raised at a major fundraiser in April 2007—significantly more than the typical $8,000 cost of LTBF memorials.

The Nelsons opted to use $13,000 for an enhanced memorial site, and a permanent scholarship fund was initiated with the remainder of the funds.

“We added things to the basic LTBF design to make it nicer for the park area,” Al said, citing gratitude for the work of Steve Rademacher, who helped with the overall design and construction of the site.

“This memorial is a good way of keeping Andrew’s memory alive, and it gives people a place to go to reflect on what the real price of their freedom is.”

The “Lest They Be Forgotten” program was founded by Gregg Garvey in honor of his son, Justin, who died in July 2003. The nonprofit organization helps establish hometown memorials dedicated to military personnel who have lost their lives in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

John “Skip” Bushart, who also lost a son, joined with Garvey to establish a Michigan chapter of LTBF in early 2004.

Visit lesttheybeforgotten.org or call 325-267-8335.

Michigan War Memorials

Photos from readers of memorials honoring old and new heroes

(click each photo for enlarged images)

From left, Andrew Nelson’s sisters Stephanie and Jessica, andmom Tami and dad Al, near his memorial in St. Johns.	PFC Andrew Nelson	Memorial in Brookside Cemetery, Tecumseh, submitted by Greg Sebring of Tecumseh.	This veterans memorial in Swartz Creek awaits cast bronze statues for each of the five granite bases. Submitted by John R. Darnton of Flint.
Memorial in Rosehill Cemetery, Eaton Rapids, maintained by Linda and Marilyn Stoddard in honor of their father, Richard.	Veterans memorial in Marion, submitted by Roy Thompson, a life member of Marion VFW Post 6015.	This replica of the Iwo Jima Memorial is part of a larger war museum in Marcellus created by Wilber Breseman. Submitted by Susan Kindt.	Maple City Veterans Memorial Park in Paw Paw, submitted by Louis Barkovich.
A new war memorial at American Legion Post 182 in Hubbardston, submitted by Carolyn Cunningham of Pewamo.	War memorial in Memorial Park, Elk Rapids, submitted by James Findlay.	New WWII Memorial in Drummond Island Township Cemetery honoring 52 Island residents who served, submitted by the Drummond Island Historical Society.	Veterans memorial presented to the city of Holt by Buck-Reasoner American Legion Post 238.
A new Clinton County Veterans Memorial in St. Johns honors more than 500 dead from the Civil War to Iraq. Submitted by Dennis Scott.	Medal of Honor Memorial on the grounds of Charlotte’s historic courthouse, submitted by Charles Harag.	Boyne City Memorial, submitted by James Findlay, Hudson.