National Memorial of Military Ascent dedicated in momentous D-Day ceremony in Grafton

By Steven Spencer

Hundreds of people met in Grafton on Saturday, June 6, to honor veterans, their families and the spirit of the American people as the National Memorial of Military Ascent officially opened with a dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony.
After years of planning, fundraising and preparation, the NMMA and the City of Grafton welcomed the public to honor veterans, educate future generations and preserve the stories of those who served. “Honor, Education, Never Forget.”
NMMA Commissioner Colonel (Ret.) and Grafton Mayor Mike Morrow welcomed everyone in attendance, recognizing the veterans in the audience, as the Leech Lake Ojibwe Honor Guard presented the colors and Morrow led in the singing of the National Anthem at the site of the newly installed bronze statues lining the bluff representing the events of D-Day.
“We are gathered this morning to honor our veterans and dedicate this monument to the indomitable spirit of the American people, and to all those who step up to defend our nation and the freedoms we enjoy today,” he said. “We dedicate this memorial today to the combined spirit of the American people. For everyone who ever served in uniform, their families and all those who support in manufacturing, on farms and in the home. This memorial is for you.”
NMMA Chaplain Warren Gohl said a blessing during the ceremony, commenting on the beautiful day and expressing thankfulness for the power and strength to sit as one people in Grafton.
“Father, creator, hear us, feel our hearts, they’re full of bursting love. For one another. For pride for our country. Eternal gratitude and respect for those who’ve given all for their country since its inception. This great land, one people, one government. Indivisible with freedom and justice for all. Those are immortal words from our founders that will never change,” he said.
In his prayer, Gohl said he was speechless from the powerful presence felt along the Mississippi River.
“There’s no words that I can say that can give any indication of how powerful this presence is, but I’m sure you’re feeling it. Thank you creator, for giving us this beautiful moment,” he said.
Guest speaker, Lieutenant General Jared Helwig, Deputy Commander of the U.S. Transportation Command, said it was a profound honor to be present at the ceremony and was excited to share the day with the community.
“We’re here to honor a pivotal moment in our nation’s history,” he said. “The unparalleled courage, sacrifice and resolve of the Rangers of Point Du Hoc on D-Day, June 6, 1944. As we gather today to not only reflect on the bravery of these men but to recognize how the Joint Force carries forward their legacy. Representing the Joint Force, United States Transportation Command stands ready, united and decisive to project and sustain America’s warfighters at the time and place of our nation’s choosing.”
Helwig spoke about the events of D-Day and the sacrifice the U.S. Army Rangers made in Normandy 82 years ago and reflected on the meaning behind the memorial.
“As we look at this memorial, I am reminded not only of the rangers courage but of how we embody their spirit today,” he said. “The bronze figures capture a moment of ascent under fire. They capture a spirit of duty accepted and a hardship endured. Set here on the bluffs of Grafton, this memorial gives a physical form to a climb that took place on distant cliffs in Normandy and brings us alongside the historic men of the Second Rangers. It gives future generations a place to learn, to reflect and to understand what freedom means and what it costs. Memorials like this call us back. They remind us that liberty is not self-sustaining and that freedom is never free. It must be defended, preserved and passed down.”
Morrow also recognized the contributions from all the donors that made the memorial possible. Noting special recognition to John and Jayne Simmons and Simmons Hanly Conroy for their support, Ben Allen, Carolina Bronze Foundry, Henderson Associates Architects, Tarlton Corporation, Bollinger Services, Sheppard, Morgan and Schwaab Engineers for their commitment and dedication to the project.
Although the memorial is open and the bronze statues are mounted, there is still more to come.
Morrow spoke about the next phase of the project and plans for the NMMA Military Museum, which will include a Vietnam-era SEAL Team Assault Boat that was built in Grafton and donated by John and Donna Jadwinski.
Morrow said 22 boats were built and tested on the Mississippi River before being sent out, and Jadwinski not only tracked one down, but returned home to Grafton to sit on display.
“Point Du Hoc was just the beginning for them. Today is just the beginning for us,” Morrow said.
The dedication concluded with a 21-gun salute, the playing of Taps, the retirement of the colors and the release of doves before an official ribbon cutting.
World War II veterans Art Williams and Vernon Wilke were in attendance and joined Morrow in the official ribbon cutting.
Wilke, a Purple Heart recipient who was in France and Germany, said the day was a strong reminder of the past. He took the Queen Mary to Normandy and was initially a truck driver.
“For me it’s a memory of the past,” Wilke said.
As the Germans were retreating, Wilke was responsible for helping to clear the towns when he and his buddy set off a boobytrap, resulting in both of them receiving injuries and leaving Wilke with a piece of shrapnel the size of his thumb.
After helping to get his injured partner back, Wilke’s commanding officer noticed the blood on his back and his injury.
“It wasn’t bothering me, so the doctor said don’t fool with it,” Wilke said.
More information on the National Memorial of Military Ascent, including a video from the June 6 dedication ceremony and ways to help support the memorial, can be found online at www.graftonmemorial.com.

National Memorial of Military of Ascent opens with dedication and ribbon cutting

The National Memorial of Military Ascent (NMMA) was officially dedicated Saturday, June 6, on the 82nd anniversary of D-Day in Grafton. “The National Memorial of Military Ascent is a permanent tribute to the courage, sacrifice, and service of America’s veterans. Located in Grafton, Illinois, the memorial features a life-sized bronze recreation of the Army Rangers’ historic ascent at Pointe du Hoc during D-Day and serves as the foundation for a future military museum and educational center dedicated to preserving military history and honoring all who served,” the NMMA committee said about the memorial.