Quilt on display Aug. 24-28 in memory of Mike Mercier
LAPEER COUNTY — Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) Chapter #287 will present viewings of “Quilts of Tears” August 24-28 at American Legion Post 16, 1701 W. Genesee St. in the City of Lapeer.
VVA Chapter Secretary/Treasurer Glenn Ream said the display represents more than just the color orange, but the toll that “agent orange” has taken on so many Vietnam War veterans over the decades.
The following is the week-long schedule of events at American Legion Post 16.
•Tues., Aug. 23: Set-up day from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
•Wed., Aug. 24: Viewing from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
•Thurs., Aug. 25: Viewing from 10-8.
•Fri., Aug. 26: Viewing from 10-8.
•Sat., Aug. 27 from 10-8.
•Sun., Aug. 28: Viewing from 1-6 p.m., followed by the tear down.
Also on Sun., Aug. 28 from 2-4 p.m. will be the pinning of those whose spouses died from agent orange exposure.
The pins, provided by the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) will be presented by the Lapeer County 50th Commemorative Committee.
Mercier remembered
Ream noted that the Agent Orange Quilt of Tears is being displayed in loving memory of Mike Mercier, the longtime newspaper photographer and veteran advocate, who passed away January 11, 2022, at the age of 69.
“It was Mike (Mercier) who first got our VVA chapter interested in the Quilts of Tears,” Ream recalled. “He worked hard and persevered over the years to bring this project to fruition.”
In Mercier’s memory, Post 16 members plan to set up a special table to include some of his photos from past visits of the Vietnam Veterans Moving Wall, of Lapeer County’s 50th Commemorative Committee, and some of the letters and accolades he received for his efforts on behalf of veterans.
Ream added that Mercier’s dear friend, “Bayou Billy,” is planning to bring his food truck to the event as a special tribute.
Tom Wearing started at the Tri-City Times in 1989, covering the Village of Capac as a beat reporter. He later served stints as assistant editor and editor. Today, he covers Imlay City and Almont as a staff writer. He enjoys music and plays drums and sings with various musical groups in the Detroit Metropolitan area.
