Support Sought To Erect $4M WWII Memorial In Royal Oak

ROYAL OAK (WWJ) - Fundraising continues for the creation of a WWII Legacy Memorial in Royal Oak -- and a familiar radio "voice" is lending his support to the project.

To most Metro Detroiters he was known as "Big Al" Muskavito -- the longtime comedic sidekick to local radio legend Dick Purtan who was always quick with a presidential impression.

His real name is Al Muskovitz,  and he's among those hoping to raise $4 million for the building of the memorial at the corner of 13 Mile and Woodward Ave. in honor of Michigan's 600,000 veterans who served as part of the "greatest generation."

"It's a big nut to crack.  That's why we really need people to pay attention and take note of what is now been designated by the state of Michigan as an official WWII park," Muskovitz told WWJ's Jon Hewett.

"This is about Michigan soldiers and Michigan workers, men and women alike, and that's the unique story that we wanted to preserve for generations to come," Muskovitz said. "It is predicted in the next three-to-five years that we might not even have a single WWII veteran around. So, every day is very critical toward this project."

As part of the fundraising effort, a brick paver sale will personalize the memorial for veterans and families of the Michigan residents who served in WWII. The inscribed bricks cost $100, $200 and $500 each, depending on the size, and will a Walk of Honor, which will ring the memorial and its pillars, honoring Michigan lives lost.

No construction date has been set for the monument.

Get more information and see a slide show at this link.