DEARBORN – The Dearborn Allied War Veterans Council invites the public to attend the dedication of a new memorial in memory of Marine Pfc. Walter Kielb, a Fordson High School alumnus who was killed in action at the Battle of Saipan on June 22, 1944, during World War II.
The ceremony will take place at 1:30 p.m. Thursday at Fordson High School. The event will honor not only Kielb but also the thousands of men and women from Fordson who served their state and nation in the United States Armed Forces.
Those scheduled to make remarks during the ceremony include Mayor John O’Reilly Jr.; Dearborn Public Schools Supt. Brian Whiston; Hussein Berry of the Board of Education; Tom Wilson, commander of the DAWVC; and John Ruselowski of the DAWVC.
The Marine Corps League will be on hand for the presentation and posting of colors. Fordson High School students will lead the Pledge of Allegiance, the National Anthem and “God Bless America” during the ceremony.
The original Kielb memorial was located in Walter Kielb Park, which had been Porvath Park until it was renamed by the Dearborn City Council in 1949 to honor Kielb. Over the years, park use declined and the memorial was vandalized.
Fordson High School was chosen as the new permanent location for a fresh plaque honoring Kielb and all Fordson students who serve in the Armed Forces.