VETERAN’S DAY

As we observe Veteran’s Day this coming week, we are reminded that the ranks of Albion’s World War II veterans are dwindling fast. During that War, Albion’s young men were drafted into the service, and women took their places in local factories. Factories switched over to War production, and they produced various parts for the War effort, working ‘round the clock.

Union Steel Products on N. Berrien St. was especially involved in the War effort. They won numerous awards for their efficiency and other accomplishments. Their monthly publication, the Union Steel Messenger, regularly contained news about their servicemen and their families. They even came out with some special editions during those War years. These are collector’s items today and valuable sources of Albion history.

One way everyone was encouraged to support those in the military was by purchasing War bonds. This week from our Historical Notebook in recognition of Veteran’s Day we present a classic Union Steel Messenger front cover from World War II. Dated November 1944, it features longtime worker Ross H. Bramble (1894-1968) holding $100 War bonds, showing his support. In the background are imposed various military activity photos, such as a landing craft, a plane, a jeep, and an amphibious vehicle.

The caption on page 2 for this cover states, "Ross Bramble is the War worker on the cover of our Messenger. Ross has four sons: John, Howard, James and Clarence in the service at the present time and those War bonds he is holding are just one way he is backing them."

Does the veteran in your family have an engraved brick on the Veteran’s Memorial Stage at Riverside Cemetery? If not, they should. Many people enjoy reading the names of Albion’s veterans there throughout the year. Our local American Legion is now taking orders for bricks which will be placed on the Stage next year. The price is still $50, with the check made out to our local post. Contact John Geyer at 1010 S. Eaton St. or call (517) 629-5821 for ordering information. Happy Veteran’s Day, Albion veterans!

	Frank Passic — Albion Historian An Albion native and 1971 graduate of Albion High School, Frank Passic has been researching and writing Albion history since 1976. He is the creator of the Albion Historical Notebook, with hundreds of articles appearing weekly in the Morning Star and The Recorder. Frank maintains an extensive personal archive including Riverside Cemetery records, family surname files, genealogies, photographs, city directories, and high school yearbooks. Support his 2026 research at the Historic Albion Michigan Facebook page. Historical Notebook \| From the Archives \| Subject List \| 100 Years Ago \| Alphabetical Index \| Frank Passic Home Page \| Albion History Books \| Contact Frank
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