Grosse Pointe Park couple stays active in support of The War Memorial

A unique asset that very few communities have. That’s one way a local couple views The War Memorial. 

Bob and Mary Ann Bury, of Grosse Pointe Park, have been coming to The War Memorial for decades, ranging from appearing on TV shows, to attending fundraisers and galas, to driver education for their daughter, and more. 

The Bury’s recall one of their first interactions at The War Memorial being with their daughter Meredith when she was on the Merry Music Makers Show in 1998. 

“We did some different things with the television station,” Mary Ann, who grew up in Dearborn, said. “She was on that show when she was about 4.” 

WMTV was the former public access television station that operated at The War Memorial. 

A full circle moment for the family came in 2023 when Meredith, who also took driver education classes at The War Memorial, had her bridal shower here.  

“My personal first impressions were in the mid-1990s with how the location on the water is spectacular, and the juxtaposition of the beautiful Alger Home and how nice it is for the different events,” Mary Ann said.  

Over the years, Mary Ann has been involved with the Grosse Pointe Garden Center and has taken a few classes at The War Memorial. 

Bob, who grew up in Harper Woods, also was part of the cable television station and took part in interviews with John Prost, the former host of “Coffee Break with John Prost” many times. 

“We would talk about things going on in the community and it served as a good way to reach the Grosse Pointe community,” Bob said. “We talked about my work at the Detroit Historical Society.” 

Bob formerly worked as the executive director and CEO of the Detroit Historical Society. He is currently the president and CEO of Fair Lane, the home of Clara and Henry Ford.

The Bury’s were involved in the early days with the Rotary Club of Grosse Pointe that met regularly at The War Memorial. They have also participated in Toys for Tots fundraisers, attended wedding receptions, SummerFest concerts, and more. 

The next event the couple will attend at The War Memorial is An Evening of Red, White & Blue on May 22. It will mark their seventh time at The War Memorial’s annual fundraising gala. Funds raised at the gala will play a pivotal role in restoring and preserving The War Memorial’s historic building and grounds, specifically the 1910 Alger House.  

“It was really nice last year,” Mary Ann said about the gala. “The fact that there are service people in attendance certainly adds to it.”

Speaking about Les Braves II: At Water’s Edge, Bob mentioned that the sculpture, which pays tribute to the D-Day operation of World War II, is a great addition to the Lake St. Clair waterfront and for The War Memorial. 

“It drives it closer to the mission of serving veterans,” he said. “The War Memorial has a unique position in the community in that it is very accessible and ordinary in that it’s nearby and familiar, but especially now it can deliver a very memorable and special experience for visitors. It contributes to the quality of life we have in the community. It’s a unique asset that very few communities have.”  

This year, as part of our 75th anniversary, The War Memorial will share stories from the public about the impact and experiences they have had at the nonprofit organization. Do you have a special War Memorial story or memory? Join us in telling #myWMstory and share yours!