ROSCOMMON, Mich. (Michigan Back Roads) – The Firemen’s Memorial sits in a park-like setting just south of Roscommon about ½ mile east of M-18. The site is dominated by a sculpture. Standing twelve feet tall and weighing around 2,000 pounds, the bronze firefighter honors the sacrifice of Michigan firefighters.

The statue was created by Michigan craftsman Edward Chesney. For more than 40 years, on the 3rd weekend in September, the Michigan Firemen’s Memorial Festival takes place over 3 days.  The festival isn’t just for firemen. Other first responders who have given their lives are memorialized as well. The grounds include picnic and play areas, several family-oriented activities are part of the event.

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The Firemen’s Memorial is dedicated to the members of that unselfish organization of men and women who hold devotion to duty above personal risk, who count sincerity of service above personal comfort and convenience, and who strive unceasingly to find better ways of protecting the lives, homes, and property of their fellow citizens from the ravages of fire and other disasters. If you visit this memorial on a weekday like I did, you may find that you are the only person there. I am willing to bet that you can’t visit this spot without a big lump forming in your throat.

There is another attraction nearby that is often overlooked. Lansing Road (part of which are gravel) is a designated Natural Beauty Road. The drive passes through one of the largest stands of White Bark Birch trees in the lower peninsula of Michigan. It is a beautiful drive any time of year but is best during color tour season. Natural Beauty Roads are scarce. Under the Natural Beauty Road Act of 1994, a road can be given the “Natural Beauty” designation for having “unusual or outstanding natural beauty”. The designation can also preserve the road from further development.