5236 Adams Rd – Oakland Township, Michigan
Since the Dedication in July 2018, the VTOT continues to thrive as an organization and as the best Tribute to our Armed Forces and Veterans in Michigan. The VTOT and other local organizations hold events at the Tribute on National Holidays – Memorial Day, Independence Day, 9/11 Patriots Day, and Veterans Day – which are open to the public. Some groups hold private ceremonies at the site as well, to include military promotions, graduation pictures – even one wedding has taken place at the Tribute.
In 2019, the Board refined its Phase II goals to upgrade and expand the Tribute to include monuments commemorating great historical importance to the United States. In October 2023, Phase II will be almost complete with the installation of the final two of five granite Historical Markers in the traffic island on which are engraved – the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, President Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address & 2nd Inaugural Address, and a series of famous quotes about military service. Since 2018, the VTOT has also added a number of reflecting benches, walking paths and improved the landscaping. Each of these new elements at the Tribute, like the initial Phase, were donated by families and businesses from the surrounding area. Anyone interested in being a Phase II Sponsor can find opportunities and can contact the VTOT on the website.
As a privately funded organization, the VTOT has worked very hard to conduct events and maintain the Tribute site in a condition worthy of the history of the Armed Forces and military Veterans that it honors. Over the period 2019-2022, annual operating expenses have averaged $25,000 to $30,000 – to cover utilities, repairs, licenses, support services, landscaping, ceremonies, and insurance. Thus, Phase III of the overall concept is underway. In Phase III, the VTOT Board has set the goal of building a financial endowment that will generate the funds to maintain and operate the Tribute in perpetuity without the need to continually raise funds. The VTOT Board of Directors created a Board of Advisors in late 2022 to assist in these efforts. In spring 2023, the Endowment is about 25% complete and the Board conducts various activities every year to reach 100%.
To keep the dream alive, the VTOT needs the continued support of the local and SE Michigan community. There are many ways to support the Tribute that can be found on this website, and we are always happy to hear good ideas from others!
Most importantly, the VTOT hopes that you will visit the Tribute and/or attend one of the annual events, and that you will be inspired by the service of those who have kept our Country free since 1776.
The Veterans Tribute of Oakland Township is a private, Michigan Non-Profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to the building and maintaining a tribute to the Armed Forces of the United States located in Oakland Township, Michigan.