There are few circumstances where a brick could be considered an appropriate gift.

However, to purchase a brick, as a permanent memorial in recognition of a loved one's military or first responder service, could be considered one of them.

"This holiday season, I can think of no better way to honor the service and dedication of a loved one involved in either the military or first responder unit than the purchase of a brick paver in the Macomb Township Memorial for Veterans and First Responders," said Mark Hurst, Macomb Township Community Foundation president.

The memorial, which was dedicated Nov. 11, stands in the Macomb Township Town Center.

Hundreds of bricks comprise the memorial's floor, and although some 100 of them have already been purchased and engraved with the names of local servicemen and women, there is no limit on the number of bricks that can be laid.

"We could go to 1,000 bricks out there and if we need to we could always expand (the memorial)," said Roger Krzeminski, MTCF member and township trustee. "I think a lot of people sometimes forget that these memorials will last for 100 years. It will be there as a document to their service."

Individual bricks are $50 and can be purchased by filling out the brick paver form available at the Town Hall and online at the MTCF website.

"I would think from the standpoint if you really want to have a unique gift for a loved one, as far as someone being in a service organization, or a first responder, this would just be an excellent gift," Krzeminski said. "It's a tribute to that person. It's knowing your family is saying to you, 'Thank you for your service.'"

Township Clerk Michael Koehs, a recipient of the Purple Heart, is one of many local veterans who have already been honored with a brick in the memorial.

"I do feel it is quite an honor to have and be able to have a brick out there, to be remembered for the service you gave to your country," Koehs said. "It is for anybody who's served, whether they're in the public service sector, or in the military. It's quite an honor to be able to have your name put down on those bricks."

When filling out the brick paver form, purchasers can designate the branch in which the brick recipient served, and the foundation will see that the brick is laid in the area designated for that service branch.

The foundation is still fundraising to cover the memorial's costs, and brick purchases help to offset this cost.