On Wednesday, August 6th, a short but moving ceremony inaugurated the raising of an American flag on a new flagpole that was installed on Tuesday at the Clark Lake Cemetery. Once the flag reached the top, a group of Clark Lakers gathered around the pole and joined in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.

The flag will fly 24/7, 365 days a year, thanks to a mounted light that will keep it illuminated through the night.  The flag now flying at the Clark Lake Cemetery is more than a symbol of national pride—it represents unity, respect for history, and the enduring Clark Lake Spirit.

This ceremony marked the culmination of two major cemetery improvement projects: Clark Lake’s Memory and Build the Bell Tower.  Together, these efforts have transformed and honored this sacred space with meaningful upgrades.

Clark Lake’s Memory: Restoration and Respect

The Clark Lake’s Memory initiative addressed a long-standing issue—many grave markers had become tilted, sunken, or stained over time. The Clark Lake Spirit Foundation organized and supported a full restoration. Thanks to generous donations, the professional team at Jackson Monument was contracted to gently clean and straighten headstones.

Build the Bell Tower: Honoring the Past

The Build the Bell Tower project focused on an important piece of Clark Lake’s early history.  The bell from Clark Lake’s first church, which was destroyed by fire in 1912, was damaged but saved.  It had remained silent for more than a century.  With space allocated near the cemetery’s entrance by Columbia Charter Township, the bell was restored, mounted on a beautifully designed pillar, and now stands as a striking symbol of community and remembrance.

The Michael Ibold Wilger Foundation generously funded the project, and Walt Reed donated the bell on behalf of the former Clarklake Community Church. The pillar design and construction, as well as the new flagpole installation, were skillfully managed by Mike McKay, a Clark Lake Spirit Foundation director.

Some of those who helped with these two projects
-Two Foundation directors, Mike McKay and Rick Belcher, along with John Karkheck formed the Clark Lake’s Memory committee.
-Mike Trout, Clark Lake resident and municipal services director for Columbia Charter Township, helped arrange for the location of the flagpole and has reenergized cemetery maintenance.  His crew includes Jeff Simpson, Andy Caroen, and Andrew Kraft, all of     whom have made a notable difference in upkeep.
-Foundation directors in attendance: Joe Thorrez, Mick Thorrez, Elaine Stewart, Josie Hones, Melissa Owings, and Rick Belcher (not pictured).  Not pictured: Kevin Thomson and Tucker Boyers.
-Also showing their support: Louie Ambs and Flip Reynolds.

The names of donors, who made Clark Lake’s Memory possible, are mounted on the pillar.

The story of the bell is mounted on the east face of the pillar

The Michael Ibold Wilger Foundation funded Build the Bell Tower.  That story can be read on the north face of the pillar.

To revisit the mounting of the bell, view this video.

Review further details by clicking here. 

For more on how Jackson Monument cared for the markers, watch this video.