The City of Grafton, Illinois established a Veteran’s Commission in December 2022 with the mission to explore opportunities to honor our veterans. The purpose of the Veteran’s Commission is to establish and oversee the Veterans Memorial from design through construction.
The vision of the Grafton War Memorial Commission is to oversee the creation of a first-class Veteran’s Memorial Complex, including a museum, that honors our veterans and increases public awareness of the United States Armed Forces.
The Memorial will be set against the limestone bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River. The centerpiece of this Memorial will be a life-sized WWII reproduction of the U. S. Army Rangers climbing the Pointe Du Hoc cliffs on Omaha Beach as part of the initial D-Day landings.
The Core Values that underlie the Commission’s trust are:
- Honor Veterans with Respect and Gratitude
- Never Forget with an Awareness of History
- Cultivate Unity through Support and Inclusion
- Foster Courage through Freedom and Commitment
Grafton IL is located on the Great River Road that follows the Mississippi River.
Our Team
Our team is the heart of our success. Comprised of dedicated professionals with diverse backgrounds and extensive expertise, our team brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to this exciting project. Each member is committed to delivering excellence, innovation, and solutions to building the National Memorial. From our creative thinkers and strategists to our technical experts and customer service champions, we work collaboratively to ensure the highest standards of quality and satisfaction.
NMMA President - Co-Chair
Col (Ret.) Michael Morrow
Mayor, Grafton, IL.
NMMA - Co-Chair
John Simmons
CEO Simmons Hanly Conroy
NMMA treasurer
Mr. Don Chamberlin, CFEd, CFEI
CEO Chamberlin Group
Tax and Wealth Planners
NMMA Secretary
Mrs. Brittney Weber
Secretary, Auxiliary, American Legion Post #648
Code Administrator, Grafton, IL
NMMA Member
Brigadier General (ret.) John Michel
President Food Is Love NFP
Food Missionary
NMMA Member
Mr. Ben Goetten
Jersey County State’s Attorney
NMMA Member
Dr. Jennifer Capler
Navy Veteran
Founder of DM Woman
City Clerk, Grafton, IL.
NMMA Member
Mr. Tom Woelfel
Vietnam Veteran,
Former Police Chief, Jerseyville, IL
NMMA Member
Mr. Dan Bechtold
Vietnam Veteran
Owner Knotty by Nature
Lumber, Grafton, IL.
