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Marquette's new Freedom Monument honors US's origins and veterans

One of the Freedom Monuments and those who sponsored it.

MARQUETTE, MI— A monument honoring veterans and the United States’ founding documents has been installed at Marquette’s Harlow Park.

The Freedom Monument was installed June 5. It’s etched with excerpts of the preamble to the U.S. Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, and aims to serve as an educational landmark and functional enhancement to the site’s ceremonies and programs.

The pieces were inspired by late Marquette resident Ron Katers, who wanted to teach local children about the nation's founding principles. He also wanted to honor military service. Katers’ wife Iris worked with the Marquette Public Art Commission to bring the vision to life.

The Freedom Monument will be officially dedicated on July 4 at 11 a.m. as part of the American Legion Post #44 Fourth of July Celebration.

Nicole was born near Detroit but has lived in the U.P. most of her life. She graduated from Marquette Senior High School and attended Michigan State and Northern Michigan Universities, graduating from NMU in 1993 with a degree in English.