IRON MOUNTAIN — The Upper Peninsula Veterans War Memorial is shining more brightly these days after a major upgrade in lighting for the park atop Pine Mountain in Iron Mountain.

Contributions from roughly a dozen sponsors and the public allowed the U.P. Veterans War Memorial and Park Committee to invest about $8,000 for lights atop all 12 obelisks in the display, with another three illuminating the American flag and one added at the POW/MIA monument this past fall.

“We’re very fortunate that we live in the Upper Peninsula, because people are very generous,” memorial co-founder and Past State Sons of the American Legion Commander Dennis Larson said. “Even after nightfall, visitors now should be able to read the roughly 2,000 veterans’ names etched on brick pavers set in the obelisks, Larson said. “The flag now is completely visible through the night. It’s beautiful. It’s the same kind of lights as on the ski jump, “Larson said.

G. Brooks Electric of Iron Mountain did the installation, including wiring and mounting the lights, in October.

With the lighting project done, Larson now hopes to enlist an Eagle Scout or other volunteers to develop an alphabetical listing of where each veteran’s paver is located — down to the side and row on the obelisks — so visitors don’t have to search the memorial.

All of the pavers now have been mounted on the obelisks after a delay due to the COVID pandemic, Larson added.

The committee also could use groups or individuals willing to purchase new American flags for the memorial, as they cost about $550 and on average need to be replaced twice a year, he said.

Those who want to help contact Larson at 906-221-9373 or Mail a Check C/O U.P. Veterans Memorial, 609 Kennedy Road, Iron Mountain, Michigan. 49801