Since 2023, the Michigan Vietnam Memorial at Island Park in Mt. Pleasant has been the site of an annual commemoration led by Plaques of Honor, a profoundly meaningful non-profit initiative founded by Doug Pickel and Calvin Murphy. Supported by Rolling Thunder Michigan Chapter 4 and Chapter 3 of the Forgotten Eagles of Michigan, Plaques of Honor organizes this solemn tribute to honor the families of the fallen, Prisoners of War, and those Missing in Action.
Founder and master craftsman Doug Pickel channels his artistry into creating sacred, symbolic wooden plaques that commemorate the sacrifices of our nation’s heroes. Each of the more than 700 plaques he has produced is a work of devotion—meticulously crafted over 60 hours and finished with 25 coats of guitar lacquer. The use of maple and Peruvian walnut embodies the enduring strength and profound challenges faced by these families. Every plaque stands as a lasting testament to their courage, memory, and resilience.

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