The Day World War II Veterans Blessed Grafton's National Memorial of Military Ascent - NMMA
- Grafton Gal
- Jun 7
- 4 min read
There are moments in the life of a town that transcend standard ribbon cuttings. They transcend politics, tourism, and marketing. Yesterday, Saturday, June 6th, on the anniversary of D-Day, Grafton experienced one of those rare moments that alters the very energy of the land.
The weather could not have been more perfect. Under clear blue skies, a standing-room-only crowd spilled out past the seating, ringed by the limestone bluffs that make our river town so distinct. History buffs, families, veterans, and travelers from across the Midwest gathered to witness the dedication and ribbon cutting for the new home of the National Memorial of Military Ascent (NMMA).
But what happened throughout the morning wasn't just a ceremony. It became a collective, deeply emotional experience that left every person in attendance completely blown away. The energy was palpable from the start, set to the music of the Mike Buerk Orchestra and a procession by the Leech Lake Ojibwe Honor Guard. Veterans of every era traveled from all over the country to stand together right here in Grafton, Illinois.
The emotional gravity of the day shifted completely when Grafton Mayor Mike Morrow (himself a retired Army Colonel with a 32-year military career spanning Desert Storm and the post-9/11 conflicts) took the stage.
Mayor Morrow asked the veterans in attendance to stand and be recognized. The response was overwhelming as dozens stood to a roar of applause. But it was his next question that changed everything.
"Are there any World War II veterans in the audience today?"
A subtle, collective gasp swept through the crowd. In 2026, to be in the presence of the Greatest Generation is an increasingly rare honor. As the crowd looked around, two men slowly raised their hands.
Art Williams, a resident from just down the road in Godfrey, Illinois. Art served as a U.S. Army veteran during World War II, seeing action from 1942 to 1945. He was deployed to the South Pacific theater with the 14th Armored Division, enduring the brutal conditions of the island campaigns during the height of the war.
Victor W. Kregel, who traveled all the way from Kansas City just to be here. Vic is a legendary figure not just for his World War II service, but for his incredible lifelong commitment to the military. Following his WWII service, he stayed with the military as it transitioned into the modern U.S. Air Force, ultimately retiring after a long, distinguished career as a Colonel.
To see Art and Vic slowly rise to their feet... to see that raw history embodied right in front of us, brought unexpected tears to almost every eye in attendance. In a masterclass of leadership, Mayor Morrow invited Art and Vic to the front to do the honors of officially cutting the ribbon. It's hard to find the words to describe what happened when those two men made their presence known, but you felt it, and everyone there felt it too.
They didn't just cut a ribbon. By their very presence, Art and Vic transformed this space. They blessed it. They didn't just mark a destination, they transformed this stretch of the land into hallowed ground. It is now dedicated, sanctified soil... a living bridge between the courage of 1944 and the generations who will stand at these bluffs for decades to come.
The Visionaries Behind the Memorial
An honor of this magnitude requires a foundation, and yesterday was also a beautiful tribute to the visionaries who made the NMMA a reality. Major donors John and Jayne Simmons were present to witness their incredible philanthropy come to life.
John Simmons, a combat engineer veteran himself who comes from a family of eleven veterans, has long committed his life to honoring military service. Together, John and Jayne, alongside key partnerships with Ben Allen from The Loading Dock, not only dedicated this spectacular land but personally contributed a staggering $2.5 million foundational donation to launch this entire project.
When Art and Vic made their presence known, the emotion in John Simmons’ eyes was unmistakable, visible even behind his sunglasses. It was surely a profound moment for a veteran seeing the ultimate legacy of his generosity recognized by the very heroes who inspired it.
This monument is a lasting symbol of strength, resilience, and unity. It belongs to our nation, but it lives right here in Grafton.
This is Just the Beginning: Help Us Build a National Treasure
What we witnessed yesterday was a monumental milestone, but it is only the first step. The ribbon cutting marks the completion of Phase One of the National Memorial of Military Ascent, but the ultimate vision for these historic bluffs is just getting started. There's so much more to come. The NMMA Committee invites you to step forward and become a living part of this history. By contributing to the memorial today, your generosity will directly fund the upcoming phases of this project, transforming this sacred space into a true national treasure. We invite you to follow the progress, explore the master plan, and make your impact.
We invite you to browse the full gallery of this historic day, capturing the clear skies, the tears, and the triumph of the dedication. Images provided by Paula Jameson, owner of Lady Luck Designs & Photography / Enjoy Grafton, IL
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