Oakland County, Michigan, Friday, Oct.12, 2007 -- Ruth Johnson, on behalf of the employees of the Oakland County Clerk/Register of Deeds Office, made a $500 donation to the Oakland County Veterans Group.

The money will be used to place bronze flag holders with American flags on the graves of veterans at two Oakland County cemeteries every Memorial Day and Veterans Day. Honored will be soldiers who fought as far back as the American Revolution, the War of 1812 and the Civil War to those who served in World War I, World War II, the Korean War and Vietnam.

"In some cases, the families of these soldiers have died off or moved away, but their service as veterans should never be forgotten," said Johnson, who presented a check to Jack Bressler, president of the Oakland County Veterans Group. "We are very pleased, on behalf of our employees, to support such a worthwhile cause."

Clerk/Register employees raised the money through their Casual Day program, which allows employees to pay $1 to dress in business casual attire on Fridays.

The project will cost about $12,000, said Bressler, adding the Clerk/Register of Deeds Office donation was the first the group has received. Bronze flag holders and American flags will be purchased for each grave.

Bressler said legislation signed this year requires villages, cities and townships to post flags on veterans' grave at the request of family members and veterans associations, but the cost can be prohibitive for some communities. The first two cemeteries the group is targeting are Oak Hill and Ottawa Park cemeteries in Pontiac.

"We know it's going to take time, but this donation is very encouraging," Bressler said. "These soldiers have given so much in the service of their country - the least we can do is remember them and never forget."

Bressler, a U.S. Army veteran who served in Korea and Vietnam, said volunteers, including ROTC students, scouts and other youth organizations will be putting the flag holders in place.

Anyone who would like to donate to the effort can check a check to:

The Oakland County Veterans Group
1631 Giddings Road
Pontiac, MI 48340