126th Regimental Association April 2020 Newsletter
126th Historical Archives
The Association, through its member donations to our Legacy Fund, has taken on some major projects to preserve the history and honor of our great regiment. We’re going to need YOUR help in providing a donation yet this year to support this work. Our goal is to raise $12,000 in the next few months to support the following projects: Colonel Merle H. Howe Memorial This is our primary focus right now as we work in partnership with Camp Grayling and the Michigan National Guard Retirees Association to honor this great leader on the 75th anniversary of his untimely death. One of the 32nd Division’s most decorated and colorful officers, Colonel Howe was killed in action as he worked with the division’s commanding general to bring the fighting in the Philippines to an end. You can read more detail about his life, leadership, heroism and death online at: http://rebel6.blogspot.com/2019/08/colonel-merle-howeyou-go-there-and.html For many years, we have trained at Camp Grayling and because of that, we’ve traveled down Howe Road countless times, probably without even a thought as to where the name came from. In 1951, the state honored Colonel Howe by renaming what was then known as Upper Lake Road to Howe Road. This year, our Legacy Fund will provide a 36-inch-by-24-inch bronze plaque to be placed at the Memorial Park next to the Chapel that will honor Colonel Howe and keep his memory alive in the years to come. Below is a proof of this plaque which is currently under production:
The total cost of the Howe Memorial project including construction of the base the plaque will set on, is approximately $7,000. As of now we are planning to hold a dedication in June but this may get delayed due to the Coronavirus outbreak. Archival Preservation The rest of our work involves the continuing receipt, sorting, restoration, preservation, cataloguing and digitizing our growing archives housed at the Grand Valley Armory. This is not only a time-consuming project, but carries a price tag for purchasing acid-free, archive-quality storage materials and equipment. We need an additional $3,000 to help us through this year’s work alone. This is another valuable service to ensure the history of the famed 126th Infantry is remembered for many years to come. 126th Infantry Historical Marker This project involves refurbishing our State of Michigan historical marker in front of the Grand Valley Armory, along with completely redoing the landscaping and lighting that surrounds it. The approximate cost of this project is $2,000.
The marker has been in place since 1994 and has taken a beating from the weather and neglect over the past 26 years. It needs to stand strong once again to ensure everyone who passes by takes pride in our rich history and tradition. Please, please do your part and consider a donation to our Legacy Fund. An envelope has been provided for your convenience. If you have questions, please contact Bill Sobotka (address, phone and email is in this newsletter). And thank you in advance!