NMMA supporters recognize D-Day at Heroe’s Ascent Fundraiser
By Steven Spencer
Steven Spencer/Jersey County Journal
Mayor Mike Morrow and John Jadwinksi present information on the Navy ship that was built in Grafton and will be returning home to be placed in the museum at the National Memorial of Military Ascent.
National Memorial of Military Ascent supporters gathered at the Grafton Legion last Friday for the Heroe’s Ascent Fundraiser.
Held on the 81st anniversary of D-Day the event not only honored the soldiers and events that will soon be depicted on Grafton’s National Memorial of Military Ascent, but celebrated honored board member Sgt. Richard Flowers and Commissioner Chief Eric Spanton.
NMMA President and Grafton Mayor Mike Morrow said both men were incredible advocates for veterans and supporters of the memorial project who will be missed every day.
“We miss him every day. He was the Vietnam Veteran’s voice for the commission. If you know Richard, and most people do, he was outspoken,” Morrow said. “He was a very good advocate for the Vietnam Veterans.”
Morrow said Chief Spanton was always helping out in numerous ways and offering his advice.
“We wouldn’t be here today where we are without them,” Morrow said.
Following a moment of silence to remember Flowers and Spanton, Morrow provided an update on the NMMA which will be ready for dedication on June 6, 2026.
The first bronze statue, Radio Man, was unveiled in May and the remaining statues will be arriving shortly, the final sketches from architect Jamie Henderson have been finished, and support is continuing to grow.
Morrow said support continues to grow not just locally but through larger veteran organizations like the Illinois VFW.
Steven Spencer/Jersey County Journal
Sgt. Richard Flowers and Chief Eric Spanton were honored and remembered during the NMMA’s Heroe’s Ascent Fundraiser and dinner on Friday, June 6.
“They’re behind it 100 percent. Last year at the same time I briefed the State Convention of the Illinois American Legion and they’re behind us 100 percent. So we have both of these organizations that are supporting us,” he said.
During the unveiling of Radio Man in May, it was announced that a ship originally built in Grafton will be returning home to become a part of the memorial and museum.
John Jadwinksi served in the Navy during the Vietnam War and has spent 40 years tracking down Navy Seal Gunboats and getting them to different parades and museums.
“In 1968 they built a series of boats for Navy Seal operations. They served in combat, the boats were damaged in combat, Navy men were wounded and killed on those boats,” Jadwinski said Friday evening. “We have them and we’re bringing them back to the place where they were built. We’re bringing them home.”
During the evening, Founding Membership were raffled off, a $1,000 value that secures a person’s name as one of the 5,000 that will be etched into memorial and new merchandise featuring the Radio Man from Seed to Sewn.
Bids for some of the next steps in the project are expected to go out in the next few weeks, with more details to come.
More information on the National Memorial of Military Ascent project and how to help contribute can be found online at www.graftonmemorial.org.
