Edition No. 35
In this Edition
Arts and Culture
Our friends at Michigan Opera Theatre have partnered with Detroit Parks and Recreation to present Opera in the Parks—free summer concerts featuring classics from the Opera and Broadway stage.
Community and Family
Grab your walking shoes and spend some time visiting the 67 public art pieces that make up the Grosse Pointe Chamber of Commerce’s latest community art project: Heartbeat of Grosse Pointe.
American Democracy
With Juneteenth now a federal holiday, revisit the history of this historic date with a PBS special that illuminates viewers of Juneteenth and shares stories about black culture and history.
Opera In The Parks Summer Series
The good folks at Michigan Opera Theatre and Detroit Parks and Recreation have teamed up to present Opera in the Parks. You're invited to enjoy a FREE, one-hour performance from members of Michigan Opera Theatre’s touring ensemble. Featuring crowd favorites from Opera, Broadway, and the American Songbook, these concerts are sure to become a summer staple! The War Memorial has been lucky enough to partner with Michigan Opera Theatre over the past few years for events such as Sing to Love, Autumn Aria, and our SummerFest. We know just how talented these artists are, and we look forward to celebrating their talents all summer long.
The first of these free park concerts kicks off THIS FRIDAY, June 25, at Balduck Park, located at 18151 East Warren. We’ve also included the lineup of remaining performances so you can keep yourself entertained all summer long!
Upcoming Performances
July 9 at 5:30pm—Rosedale Park (Community Center), 18445 Scarsdale
July 23 at 5:30pm—AB Ford Park 100 Lenox
August 6 at 5:30pm—Delores Bennett Park, 150 W. Lisa Dr.
August 20 at 5:30pm—Riverside Park, 3085 W. Jefferson Ave.
August 27 5:30pm—Lasalle Park, 2351 N. LaSalle Blvd.
Sept 10 at 12pm—Spirit Plaza, 2 Woodward Ave
The Heartbeat of Grosse Pointe
Community Public Art Project
Our friends at the Grosse Pointe Chamber of Commerce have unveiled their latest community public art project: The Heartbeat of Grosse Pointe. This exhibit features large hearts designed by local artists that are scattered throughout the community. The War Memorial is lucky enough to have one of these special hearts located on our campus at the end of the main drive on Lake Shore. Our heart, titled “All Pieces Fit” by Karen Lynn Berg, is a beautiful representation of the talent and artistry shared among our community. Click the link below to download the full 11x17 map and spend some time visiting all 67 hearts. And be sure to snap some pictures and share them on social media. We’d love to see you visit all the hearts and businesses in the area.
Juneteenth Jamboree
This past Saturday, June 19, marked the 156th anniversary of Juneteenth — also known as Emancipation Day, Freedom Day, or Jubilee Day. While unknown to most individuals, June 19, 1865, marks the announcement of General Order No.3 by Union Army General Gordon Granger, announcing freedom from slavery in Texas, two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation.
The first celebrations for Juneteenth date back to 1866, with community gatherings for African Americans at churches in Texas. Juneteenth is celebrated nationwide by the African American community via festivals, gatherings, educational seminars, and more.
Seventeen years ago, Juneteenth Freedom Day was recognized by the Michigan Senate & The Office of Governor Jennifer Granholm. Last year, The Office of Governor Gretchen Whitmer proclaimed Juneteeth, June 19th, 2020, as Juneteenth Celebration Day in Michigan.
A PBS yearly television series titled ‘Juneteenth Jamboree,’ first aired in 2008, initially based in Texas, illuminates viewers of Juneteenth and shares stories about black culture and history. This 2019 episode highlight summarizes the series as a whole and the history of Juneteenth. Click the link below to view the full episode.
Inspired Thoughts is a collection of highly curated content that embraces the spirit and purpose of The War Memorial: arts and culture, community enrichment, leadership, and patriotism.
Derived from the notion that learning from others is the key to success, Inspired Thoughts is meant to shine a light on those making a difference in the world around them. This collection features artists, poets, writers, architects, and every thought leader in-between. Inspired Thoughts is the strongest reflection of what The War Memorial stands for, and what we aim to be.
The content featured on Inspired Thoughts is curated by War Memorial leadership — we also look forward to featuring special guest curators in the near future. If you are interested in providing content for Inspired Thoughts, please email our Communications team at jkaminski@warmemorial.org.