Plans made for wall to honor workers in suburban Detroit

STERLING HEIGHTS (AP) - Community leaders plan to erect a metal and marble wall at an amphitheater in Macomb County to honor workers in suburban Detroit and across the state.

Freedom Hill Amphitheatre in Sterling Heights will host the "The Tribute to The American Workforce," which The Detroit News reported will be unveiled next spring. Business leaders, county officials and labor unions are involved in the project.

"This tribute is our way to recognize the hardworking people of Macomb County and our region and honor their contributions," said Tom Celani, CEO of Hillside LLC, Freedom Hill's owner and management company.

"We're proud to have it anchor the amphitheater's main concourse where our patrons can admire it and where it will serve as a reminder of the area's dedicated workforce for years to come."

The memorial wall will be about 60 feet wide and 28 feet tall, with a clock as its centerpiece.

Al Lorenzo, assistant Macomb County executive, said it's fitting that the county known for its working-class residents has a monument honoring workers.

"The county has a long history of contributions by the American workforce in times of peace, in times of war ... the innovation that takes place here and the ability to apply that innovation to make products that are known worldwide," he said.

Known for hosting summer concerts and festivals, Freedom Hill seats about 7,200. It was closed in 2010 but reopened in 2013 following a $2 million renovation. The park next to the amphitheater is home to the Macomb County Vietnam Memorial.

Published: Wed, Aug 12, 2015