Purple Heart Memorial Garden

We are seeking volunteers to weed, prune and maintain the plantings at the Purple Heart Memorial Garden, throughout the growing season. You can help us keep this important local treasure looking beautiful! Please contact the Beautification Commission at beautification@wyan.org if you are interested in becoming a Purple Heart Memorial Garden volunteer.

Originally dedicated by Michigan Governor Harry Kelly in 1943 during the Second World War, the statue was designed and sculpted by Isadore DeBiasi of River Rouge. The statue features the poignant image of a US soldier caring for his wounded brother in arms; the monument was cast in limestone to stand as a testament to the sacrifice of Michigan servicemen and women. Wyandotte has the distinguished honor of being the first city in the country to which the National Military Order of the Purple Heart commissioned and donated a monument of this type.

The Wyandotte Beatification Commission, and local veterans worked together to raise funds to bronze the Purple Heart statue from 2007 to 2010. Members of the commission also raised funding for the construction of the Purple Heart Memorial Garden, which was dedicated on Memorial Day, May 31st, 2010.

PURPLE HEART MEMORIAL GARDEN COMMITTEE
Jody Egen, Nathan Gambino, Roseann Gabrys, Natalie Rankine, Carol Resto, Brenda Polczynski, David Polczynski

ARCHITECT
Natalie A. Rankine, RA

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT
Calvin Hall and Associates
Felino Pascual, RLA
David Wong

ENGINEER
Mark A. Kowalewski, P.E. City Engineer

GENERAL CONTRACTOR
Alastra Construction

SUBCONTRACTORS
Downriver Stone & Monument
Harvey’s Electric
J & R Landscaping
National Flag & Monument
Metro Stone
Sicilia Masonry

Our Sponsors

Major Benefactors:
$7,000 Military Order of the Purple Heart – Department of Michigan
$28,000 Military Order of the Purple Heart Local Chapter 127
$32,500 The Downtown Development Authority
$50,000.00 The Military Order of the Purple Heart Service Foundation, Inc.
The City of Wyandotte

Our Major Benefactors will receive an on-site plaque noting their generous contribution toward this important historic project.

Diamond Sponsors (4 benches on site)
*Benches are all sold out, sorry for the inconvenience
BASF Corporation
Leo and Marie Stevenson
Beautification Commission & Downtown Development Authority
Ambassador Bridge & The Maroun Family

Platinum Sponsors (4 potted urns on site)
*Urns are all sold out, sorry for the inconvenience
Mrs. Marge Roberts & Helping Hands
Ladies Auxiliary MOPH Department of Michigan
Joe Daly, Daly Merritt Inc.
The Nowicke Family

Gold Sponsors
The Gonzalez Family
Mildred Halash
Godelieve Rummel
The Knights of Columbus, Wyandotte
Wyandotte Rotary
Sam Galanis
Garfield Elementary School
Wyandotte Jaycees
Nixon & Thon Funeral Homes