The War Memorial: Bringing great joy to many for 75 years
It has always been a memorable experience at The War Memorial for Laura Webber and her family.
Webber, of Harrison Township, grew up in the Grosse Pointe community, attending schools like Monteith Elementary School, Brownell Middle School, and Grosse Pointe North High School.
Laura has attended several events and activities over the years at the nonprofit organization.
“The grounds are always lovely” she said. “From plays to weddings, to Santa flying in on a helicopter for the Christmas breakfast for the kids, it has always been a memorable experience at The War Memorial. We have pictures of Santa getting out of the helicopter. That was the big one that we could come to.”
Over 15 years ago, Laura and her husband brought their daughters, Leah and Joelle to The War Memorial for Breakfast with Santa.
“My parents, Ronald and Marcia Pikielek, have been members of the Grosse Pointe Theatre for over 50 years,” she said. “That was initially when I started going to The War Memorial. That would have been my earliest memory of The War Memorial.”
Laura also remembers going to Battle of the Bands at The War Memorial which was a staple of entertainment for local teens from the 1970s to the 1990s.
“I want to say there were 10 bands from the area,” she said. “They all competed and everybody voted. It was people that we went to school with and that was fun. Interestingly enough, some members of one of the bands went on to be in the band Sponge.”
The Webber family also has a veteran connection to The War Memorial – Laura’s father served in the Army in the 1950s and was part of the Counter Intelligence Corps. Her husband, Lee, was in the Navy. The two veterans have come together to The War Memorial’s annual Veterans Day Breakfast.
Laura commented that The War Memorial has always been a great place for the community.
“Everything that is offered to the community, you can’t speak enough about that,” she said. “It’s brought great joy to many.”
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!