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Illinois town, veterans cut ribbon on National Memorial of Military Ascent
Driving along the Great River Road at Grafton, Ill., one can’t miss what looks like soldiers climbing the limestone bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River.
The bronze statues, 12 in all, are a life-sized tribute to Army Rangers who, under fire, scaled the 100-foot cliffs at Pointe du Hoc on D-Day. They’re also the centerpiece of the new National Memorial of Military Ascent (NMMA), dedicated in Grafton on the 82nd anniversary of the Allied invasion.
Inspired by a trip to Normandy, retired Army Col. Mike Morrow saw the town’s river bluffs as a perfect setting for a monument honoring sacrifice and conveying the positive nature of military service. In 2021, the Gulf War veteran and Legionnaire was elected mayor and shared his vision…
‘American Legion’
Testaments to Faith
The famed social philosopher Archie Bunker once said that “Faith is believing in something that no one in their right mind would ever believe in.” Archie’s cynicism aside, faith is a good thing, in fact a great thing. It has been said that Faith can move mountains, or in this case, carve onto Mountains. Let us examine.
In World War II, Pointe de Hoc, a high cliff overlooking the beach in Normandy, France. It was the location of a series of German bunkers, reinforced by machine guns. They looked down in point blank range to Omaha Beach, one of the 5 sites for the D Day invasion on June 6, 1944…
‘Advantage News’
Honor. Educate. Never forget: D-Day’s lessons forever echo from Grafton
A ribbon cutting and dedication ceremony was held in Grafton on Saturday, June 9, 2026. The date chosen for this was significant, as it was 82 years to the day from the historically transformative day now known across the world as D-Day, the day Allied Forces invaded German-occupied France.
The National Memorial of Military Ascent (NMMA) was officially dedicated as part of a ceremony that brought together veterans, military families, elected officials and other leaders from all levels, donors and supporters, as well as community members.
‘Illinois Business Journal’
Ribbon Cutting Ends Official Dedication Of National Memorial Of Military Ascent
GRAFTON — The National Memorial of Military Ascent was officially dedicated Saturday morning in Grafton during a June 6, 2026, ceremony marking the 82nd anniversary of D-Day and opening the site to the public for the first time.
The ceremony concluded with an official ribbon-cutting, after which guests were invited to visit the monument and view the memorial’s tribute to veterans and the American spirit of service and sacrifice.
‘Riverbender.com’
New memorial in Grafton honors D-Day rangers and the sacrifices of a generation
GRAFTON, Ill. — On the 82nd anniversary of D-Day, veterans, families and visitors from across the country gathered along the Mississippi River bluffs in Grafton for the dedication of the National Memorial of Military Ascent, a monument honoring the U.S. Army Rangers who carried out one of the most daring missions of World War II…
‘KSDK - News Channel 5’
NMMA dedicated with event in Grafton
The National Memorial of Military Ascent was formally dedicated during an event in Grafton on Saturday, the 82nd anniversary of D-Day. The 12 life-size bronze statues of the memorial honor the U.S. Army Rangers who scaled the cliffs of Pointe du Hoc on June 6, 1944, as Allied Forces invaded German occupied France…
‘WBGZ’
D-Day Rangers memorial opens in Grafton to honor Pointe du Hoc heroes
GRAFTON — Eighty-two years after U.S. Army Rangers assaulted a crucial German stronghold on D-Day, their heroism and sacrifice were honored Saturday with the dedication of a memorial along the Mississippi River.
The memorial uses a dramatic installation of bronze sculptures on the limestone bluff in Grafton to tell the story of D Company of the 2nd Ranger Battalion, which used ropes and ladders to scale the 110-foot-tall cliffs of Pointe du Hoc while under heavy enemy fire from above. The point jutted out into the English Channel from the Normandy coast, giving the German soldiers on top of it perfect fields of fire to target Allied vessels and troops landing on both Omaha Beach and Utah Beach during the momentous D-Day invasion of France.
‘The Telegraph’
Veterans and Residents Gather in Grafton for Historic Dedication
ALTON - Veterans, elected officials, and community members gathered Saturday morning, June 6, 2026, in Grafton to dedicate the National Memorial of Military Ascent, a monument honoring veterans and the broader wartime service and sacrifice of Americans, in a ceremony held on the anniversary of D-Day.
“Thank you all for coming out today to honor our veterans and dedicate this memorial,” Mayor Mike Morrow said.
Alton Mayor Goins said the timing of the dedication added to its significance…
‘Riverbender.com’
Grafton Dedicates National Memorial of Military Ascent On D-Day Anniversary
GRAFTON - The National Memorial of Military Ascent was officially dedicated Saturday morning, June 6, 2026, in Grafton on the 82nd anniversary of D-Day with an emotional, hour-long ceremony.
The ceremony began at 9:30 a.m. June 6, 2026, after the Mike Burke Orchestra played military songs at 9 a.m. The dedication included colors by the Leech Lake Ojibwe Honor Guard, American Legion Post 648, and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 805, followed by an invocation by NMMA Chaplain Warren Gohl…
‘Riverbender.com’
NMMA dedication is Saturday
The concept of the National Memorial of Military Ascent in Grafton was announced about three years ago. Now, it’s time for the dedication ceremony at 9:30 am on Saturday, June 6 at the Grafton Visitor Center. Parking will be at a premium, so Raging Rivers has offered up its parking lot, and three shuttles will take guests to the event, starting at 7am.
Grafton Mayor Mike Morrow tells The Big Z this is just part of the overall project there that will include a museum:
If you can’t attend, the ceremony will be live-streamed at www.GraftonMemorial.org
A 1940's Gala Ball will be held at the Loading Dock Saturday night to wrap up the day’s events, but it is sold out.
‘WBGZ’
Grafton to dedicate National Memorial of Military Ascent on Saturday
GRAFTON — Years of planning and hard work are set to pay off Saturday when the National Memorial of Military Ascent is dedicated on the Mississippi River bluff at Grafton.
The dedication ceremony begins at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday at the memorial site adjacent to the Grafton Visitor’s Center and Museum, 950 E. Main St…
‘The Telegraph’
Grafton's National Memorial of Military Ascent Dedication Ceremony Scheduled for This Weekend
GRAFTON - The National Memorial of Military Ascent will be officially dedicated this weekend.
On Saturday, June 6, 2026, community members are invited to the NMMA site at the Grafton Visitors Center to celebrate the completion of the project’s first phase. The dedication ceremony begins at 9:30 a.m. on June 6. Grafton Mayor Mike Morrow, who has spearheaded the project, expressed his excitement to see it coming to fruition…
‘Riverbender.com’
Grafton prepares for NMMA grand opening
On June 6, a powerful vision years in the making will become reality as the National Memorial of Military Ascent (NMMA) officially opens with a full day of events honoring the anniversary of D-Day. Set along the limestone bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River and the Great River Road, the memorial draws direct inspiration from the…
‘River County News’
National Memorial of Military Ascent Statues Arrive in Grafton
GRAFTON - According to Mayor Mike Morrow, Grafton’s soldiers have arrived home.
On Monday, May 11, 2026, a small crowd gathered at the site of the National Memorial of Military Ascent (NMMA) in Grafton to welcome a truck carrying several life-sized statues. These 500-pound statues will be installed on the face of the bluff over the next few days…
‘Riverbender.com’
NMMA dedication set for June 6
The concept of the National Memorial of Military Ascent in Grafton was announced about three years ago. Now, it’s almost time for the dedication ceremony. You are invited to attend at 9:30 am on Saturday, June 6 at the Grafton Visitor Center.
Parking will be at a premium, so Raging Rivers has offered up its parking lot, and a shuttle will take guests to the event that morning, starting at 7am. Grafton Mayor Mike Morrow tells The Big Z there will be a 1940's Gala Ball to be held at the Loading Dock Saturday night to wrap up the day’s events.
‘WBGZ’
Historic D-Day memorial reveal June 6 in Grafton, Ill.
On June 6, a powerful vision years in the making will become reality as the National Memorial of Military Ascent (NMMA) officially opens with a full day of events honoring the anniversary of D-Day.
Set along the limestone bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River and the Great River Road, the memorial draws direct inspiration from the heroic actions of U.S. Army Rangers at Pointe du Hoc. This event is one of the most daring missions of World War II.
The idea for the memorial was sparked in 2019, when Grafton Mayor Mike Morrow stood beneath the city’s towering bluffs and recognized a striking resemblance to the cliffs in Normandy he had recently visited. The memorial is created…
‘Legion Town’
Plans finalized for NMMA dedication
With the concept first introduced almost three years ago, the Dedication Ceremony of the National Memorial of Military Ascent in Grafton has been announced. The dedication ceremony begins at 9:30 am on Saturday, June 6 at the Grafton Visitor Center.
Parking will be at a premium, so Raging Rivers has offered up its parking lot, and a shuttle will take guests to the event that morning, starting at 7am. Grafton Mayor Mike Morrow tells The Big Z all 12 statues are done and are ready….
‘Advantage News’
Jersey County Board donates $50,000 to NMMA
At the Grafton City Council meeting on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, Mayor Morrow accepted a $50,000 donation on behalf of the National Memorial of Military Ascent (NMMA) from Gary Krueger, Chairman of the Jersey County Board. The generous contribution came in support of the positive impact that the memorial will have when completed. Gary Krueger, Chairman of the County Board, said, “This military memorial to all Veterans will be a valuable contribution to tourism in our area.” Kara Ontis….
‘Advantage News’
Governor JB Pritzker visits Grafton’s military memorial, weighs state aid
GRAFTON — Grafton recently had a private visit from Governor JB Pritzker to see the recent progress on the National Memorial of Military Ascent (NMMA).
Grafton Mayor Mike Morrow showed Pritzker the progress the city has made thus far, both on the memorial and the planned updates for the Grafton Visitor's Center & Historical Museum, located on 950 E. Main St. Morrow said that he was "happy to see the Governor come out."
‘The Telegraph’
STAB Boat 'Comes Home' To Grafton
GRAFTON - On Saturday, July 26, 2025, one of 22 Seal Team Assault Boats (STAB) returned to Grafton, coming home to where she was built in 1968 at the Grafton Boat Works, now The Loading Dock Bar and Grill. Delivered by the owner, John Jadwinsky, of Danville, Indiana, the boat was welcomed with hearty cheers and applause by upwards of fifty bystanders, members of the Grafton Historical Society, and Veterans—one of whom who rendered military honors with a heartfelt salute. John addressed the Historical Society, providing details of the boat’s use by Navy SEALs as the fastest boat on the rivers of the Mekong Delta during the Viet Nam War.
‘Riverbender.com’
Additions announced for Grafton NMMA
The statues of soldiers depicting the D-Day operation at Normandy will not be the only military attraction in Grafton. Soon, there will be a piece of equipment used by Navy Seals in Vietnam, with ties to the river city near the National Memorial of Military Ascent.
Grafton Mayor Mike Morrow tells The Big Z they will soon be taking delivery of a 1968 Strike Assault Boat, commonly known as a STAB Boat.
‘Advantage News’
Heroes’ Ascent Fundraiser held on D-Day
The National Memorial of Military Ascent (NMMA) held its highly anticipated Heroes’ Ascent Fundraiser on Friday, June 6, 2025, at the Grafton American Legion, drawing hundreds of supporters to an evening of remembrance, music, and momentum for the future of the memorial.
Guests enjoyed a full dinner from The Brass Door, desserts, live performances by Mark and the Angry Heart and Jake Weber & The Lonesome Drifters….
‘Advantage News’
Grafton unveils first statue in new military memorial honoring Pointe Du Hoc
GRAFTON — The National Memorial of Military Ascent (NMMA) unveiled the first of 12 bronze life-size statues Monday that memorialize the assault on Pointe Du Hoc. The statue unveiling marks the beginning of a large-scale memorial that plans to reimagine the grounds of Grafton’s Visitor’s Center & Museum and nearby cliff sides.
“This is a memorial for everybody," Grafton Mayor Michael Morrow said following his speech. Morrow, president of the NMMA, also sang the National Anthem and led the unveiling. "It’s for the families. It's for the veterans who served in wars and for people who did not serve. It also includes….
‘The Telegraph’
Grafton's National Memorial of Military Ascent Unveils First Bronze Statue
GRAFTON - The National Memorial of Military Ascent is one step closer to completion.
On Monday, May 12, 2025, elected officials, community members and veterans gathered at the Grafton Visitor Center for the unveiling of the memorial’s first bronze statue. The memorial is modeled after Point du Hoc in Normandy, where Allied forces landed during D-Day. The completed memorial will feature 12 statues climbing the bluffs at the site of the National Memorial of Military Ascent (NMMA).
‘Riverbender.com’
A Christmas Message from the National Memorial of Military Ascent
A Christmas Message from Mayor Michael Morrow This holiday season, Mayor Michael Morrow delivers a heartfelt message on behalf of the National Memorial of Military Ascent (NMMA). As we celebrate the joy of Christmas, let us remember the brave men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces who have sacrificed so much to protect our freedoms. The NMMA is dedicated to honoring their legacy and educating future generations about the cost of freedom. Thanks to the incredible support we’ve received this year, we are closer than ever to making this vision a reality. We still need your help.
Legion Post 648 Donates $2,500 to the National Memorial of Military Ascent
GRAFTON – The National Memorial of Military Ascent (NMMA) received a generous donation of $2,500 from the Grafton Whelan-Hill American Legion Post 648 on Thursday, December 12, 2024. This marks the second donation from Post 648 which was the first American Legion post to contribute to the memorial’s efforts with a $2,000 donation in October 2023.
‘Riverbender.com’
'We invite the community to join us': Veterans Day fundraiser to support Grafton national military memorial
ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. — On Veterans Day, the National Memorial of Military Ascent (NMMA) is hosting a fundraiser at Café Napoli in Clayton to honor the sacrifices of veterans, while raising funds for the development of the NMMA.
This fundraiser is for the construction of the NMMA, a veteran memorial complex against the limestone bluffs of Grafton, Illinois. The national military memorial aims to represent all branches of the U.S. Armed Services.
‘KSDK’
Simmons Hanly Conroy Founder John Simmons to Support National Memorial of Military Ascent in Grafton
GRAFTON – Simmons Hanly Conroy LLP founder, chairman, U.S. Army veteran, and longtime veterans’ advocate John Simmons has announced his support as Co-Chair of the National Memorial of Military Ascent (NMMA), a transformative project that will honor America’s veterans with a world-class memorial and museum in Grafton, Illinois.
‘Riverbender.com’
National Memorial of military ascent memorial
Plans are underway in Grafton to create a breathtaking national military memorial as a salute to the sacrifices of the men and women who served in the U.S. military throughout history. The National Memorial of Military Ascent, adjacent to the Grafton Visitor Center and framed by the Mississippi River bluffs is expected to become a reality within the next four years.
‘Great Rivers and Routes’
Grafton’s national military monument documentary honors D-Day troops
GRAFTON — Many voices make up the documentary about the city’s coming National Monument of Military Ascent, including representation of the the voices of the lost troops at Pointe du Hoc, Omaha Beach, on D-Day, June 6, 1944, during the invasion of Normandy in World War II.
‘The Telegraph’
Heroes Hunting Foundation Donates $10,000 to the National Memorial of Military Ascent
Michael Harwick, Brittney Weber, Chaplain Warren Gohl, SGT Patrick Perkins, Mayor Michael Morrow, Maybeline, SSG Dean Orcholski. (Submitted photo) With the Native American Chaplain, Warren Gohl, recently in town for a series of events, The Heroes Hunting Foundation made a special visit to City Hall and the site of the Grafton Memorial to deliver a…
“River County News’
Bronze Star Veterans Forge Bond Over Shared Military Service
GRAFTON — With an appearance by Warren Gohl, the chaplain for the National Memorial of Military Ascent, Grafton officials had to move to a larger venue to accommodate a large amount of attendees. Gohl is revered for his contributions to not only Native Americans, but war veterans and the improvement of the mental health of prison inmates.
Local Veterans' Histories to be Shared at National Memorial of Military Ascent Museum
Dr. James Smither, a professor at Grand Valley State University in Michigan, recently stopped by Grafton to film oral histories of local veterans. These videos will then be archived with the Library of Congress and eventually shared in the National Memorial of Military Ascent (NMMA) museum.
‘Riverbender.com’
Hayner Library to Host Program about Native American Code Talkers and World War II
ALTON – History and culture combine at an upcoming program at Hayner Public Library District.
“Code Talkers: The Fascinating History of Native American Service in World War II” will share the story of the Code Talkers, Native American service members who used their native tribal languages to transmit messages on D-Day. From 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, community members are invited to Hayner Library’s Alton Square Mall location to learn more about these service members and their history.
‘Riverbender.com’
Grafton Celebrates D-Day Anniversary with New Memorial Project With Much Activity
On the 80th anniversary of D-Day, Grafton Mayor Mike Morrow and the city have taken significant steps to honor veterans with a new memorial project.
‘Riverbender.com’
NMMA supporters ‘Storm the Beach’ at Raging Rivers
Jersey County Journal Visitors got to take an up close look Friday evening at the vehicles brought in by Army Ranger reenactors at the Storm the Beach event at Raging Rivers. Community support is continuing to grow for the National Memorial of Military Ascent (NMMA) as the memorial commission continues to raise…
‘River County News’
Our Daily Show! Ft. Warren Gohl, Mayor Morrow, Grid Solar, & Beyond the Shelves!
On This Monday in the Heart of the Riverbend… we are starting the day off with Warren Gohl, Mayor Morrow, and the National Memorial of Military Ascent! They will join CJ to discuss Warren’s presentation on Code Talkers, their role in the U.S. military, and what they did on D-Day.
‘Riverbender.com’
Code Talkers event coming to Grafton
The Grafton Historical Society has a special event planned for Sunday July 28th at the history Museum & Visitor’s Center on East Main Street. Army war veteran Warren Gohl of the Seneca Nation will be speaking about World War Two code talkers.
His talk begins at 1:30 PM. The presentation completes the annual membership drive for 2024.
Warren Gohl tells The Big Z some of what he’s learned about code talkers and the important role they played during wartime.
Gohl became friends with Grafton Mayor Mike Morrow through a Mississippi River towns initiative.
Both are Bronze Star recipients.
‘Advantage News’
Illinois river town plans lasting D-Day tribute
Driving past the towering limestone bluffs overlooking the Great River Road and Mississippi River at Grafton, Ill., in 2019, Mike Morrow exclaimed to his wife, Lynne, “It’s Pointe du Hoc!”
‘American Legion National Magazine’
National Memorial of Military Ascent announces documentary partnership with Penultimate, LTD
The National Memorial of Military Ascent has announced the approval of a documentary project in collaboration with Penultimate, LTD. This partnership will see David Schock, Thom Bell and Jay Round producing a documentary of the Grafton Veteran’s Memorial.
‘IL Business Journal’
Carolina Bronze Foundry starts scanning for NMMA statues
A live model poses for the Carolina Bronze Foundry at the Grafton Visitors Center. The models will be used to create the life-size bronze statues for the National Memorial of Military Ascent. The City of Grafton is one step closer to seeing the National Memorial of Military Ascent (NMMA)…
‘River County News’
Raging Rivers "Storm the Beach" Event to Support National Memorial of Military Ascent
If you’re looking for a chance to support the National Memorial of Military Ascent and have a lot of fun while doing it, you’re invited to stop by the “Storm the Beach” event at Raging Rivers…
‘Riverbender.com’
Life-size bronze statues to honor U.S. military in Grafton
GRAFTON — Bronze statues are in the making for a significant monument in Jersey County to honor U.S. military members and the sacrifices they have made.
‘The Telegraph’
National Memorial of Military Ascent Receives $10,000 from Jerseyville Carrollton Bank
In a heartfelt gesture of support for the National Memorial of Military Ascent in Grafton, Illinois, Jerseyville Carrollton Bank Regional President, Alan Karcher, presented a generous donation of $10,000 to Grafton Mayor Michael Morrow….
‘River County News’
National Memorial of Military Ascent Announces Documentary Partnership With Penultimate, LTD
The National Memorial of Military Ascent is proud to announce the approval of a documentary project in collaboration with Penultimate, LTD. This exciting partnership will see David Schock, Thom Bell and Jay Round producing a documentary of the Grafton Veteran’s Memorial….
‘Edglentoday.com’
Bronze Statue Scanning Starts Next Week
The Carolina Bronze Foundry from North Carolina will have representatives in Grafton on Friday, May 31st to Wednesday, June 4th 2024 to start the scanning of live models for the U. S. Army Ranger statues for the National Memorial of Military Ascent (NMMA).
The digital scanning process will take place on site at the Grafton Visitor Center. The live models will strike and hold a pose while the foundry personnel will scan them digitally. This digital scan is then processed at the foundry and sent to a 3D printer and from there to the actual bronze….
‘The Big Z’
Local Clothing Business Partners with Grafton Veteran's Memorial
GRAFTON – A new local business is off to a strong start as the official merchandise supplier of Grafton’s veteran’s memorial.
Seed to Sewn, a direct-to-film garment printing company, has partnered with the National Memorial of Military Ascent (NMMA) to provide merchandise for the new veteran’s museum and memorial to be built in Grafton. A percentage of the proceeds for every shirt purchased will go toward NMMA to help fund the memorial.
‘Edglentoday.com’
Military memorial complex project moving forward in Grafton, Illinois
GRAFTON, Ill. – Planning for a major military memorial complex is moving forward in Grafton.
City officials unveiled the $6 million project during their capital campaign kick-off Wednesday. The National Memorial of Military Ascent Complex will include a memorial plaza and an interactive military museum.
‘Fox 2’
Metro-east river city unveils $6 million plans for new war memorial
If you’re looking for a chance to support the National Memorial of Military Ascent and have a lot of fun while doing it, you’re invited to stop by the “Storm the Beach” event at Raging Rivers…
‘Riverbender.com’
Grafton memorial to honor veterans with re-creation of Pointe du Hoc
GRAFTON — A German soldier looked out from his reinforced concrete pillbox over the English Channel on D-Day, June 6, 1944. He saw thousands of ships headed his way, and said, “Mein Gott. Sie kommen.”
My God. They are coming.
Fundraising has begun on a $6 million memorial and military museum at the Grafton Visitors Center to remember the members of the U.S. Armed Forces who fought in World War II.
‘St. Louis Post-Dispatch’