Patriotism remains strong at The War Memorial as annual Memorial Day service returns to in-person celebration
The War Memorial is proud to once again offer in-person celebrations to honor our community’s veterans, military service members, and their families with special programs and events leading up to Memorial Day. Both Our Community Salutes on May 26 and the annual Memorial Day Service on May 30 will provide a time for community members to come together to recognize, reflect, and pay our respects to veterans, military members, and their families.
The War Memorial’s week of service and honor culminates in a solemn hour of remembrance during our traditional Memorial Day Service at 10 a.m., back in-person on the grounds of the historic Alger House. This moving ceremony takes place on the lakefront lawn of The War Memorial as we honor and remember those who have given the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.
This year’s Memorial Day event will feature a moving performance of the United States national anthem; remarks from War Memorial leadership; a keynote address from brigadier general and Board Member Rolf Mammen; and will conclude with a moment of solemnity, featuring a bagpipe rendition of Amazing Grace performed by local musician Mary Beth Nicholson.
The reading of the names of fallen Grosse Pointe service members from all military branches will also be included.
“We are humbly honored to once again welcome the community to this time-honored and important ceremony, the first in person ceremony since 2019” said The War Memorial President and CEO Charles Burke. “The foundation of our institution is built on the names engraved on the walls of the historic Alger house. It’s a privilege and duty to bear witness to the lives lost and pause as we reflect on their collective sacrifice.”
Also participating are members of the Grosse Pointe Veterans Club, Motor City Brass Band, Blue Star Mothers Lake Erie Chapter, the Grosse Pointe Veterans Garden, the American Legion Grosse Pointe Post 303, JROTC Osborn High School Honor Guard, along with local Boy Scout Troop 96.
The Memorial Day Service is free, open to the public, and attended by hundreds of members of the community. Guests are welcome to experience the service from their boats. Pre-registration for this year’s ceremony is required; seating and parking will be limited.
All Memorial Day Celebrations will be held at The War Memorial, located at 32 Lake Shore Drive in Grosse Pointe Farms. For more information on Memorial Week as a whole, guests can visit www.warmemorial.org/memorialday2022
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About Brig. Gen. Rolf Mammen
Brigadier General Rolf Mammen, who has served in the Air Force for over 30 years, embodies the heart and spirit of a notable servicemember; someone who selflessly serves their nation, as well as displays unmatched heroism at home and in their community. His notable attributes have shown brightest during the COVID-19 pandemic. He worked tirelessly to ensure the safety and readiness of 1,700 airmen, 47 tenant organizations, and nearly 4,500 personnel from all military branches as Commander of the 127th Wing, Selfridge ANGB. A distinguished graduate of the C-130 pilot initial qualification course, he has flown both domestic and international missions. He was deployed to Kuwait in 2004 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. In a civilian capacity, General Mammen has continued to serve his country as a pilot for a commercial airline, logging more than 10,000 hours in flight. General Mammen has served on the Board of Directors at The War Memorial for the past seven years, playing active roles on both the Finance and Patriot Initiative committees. As a resident of Grosse Pointe, he is involved with The Boy Scouts of America and National Guard Association of America.
More information on The War Memorial’s commitment to patriotism can be found at www.warmemorial.org/patriotic
About The War Memorial
For more than 70 years, The War Memorial has been an arts, culture, patriotic, and community leader organization for Southeast Michigan. The War Memorial annually hosts more than 3,000 performances, classes, and family or community events drawing 250,000 visitors to its campus on the shores of Lake Saint Clair in Grosse Pointe Farms, MI. The War Memorial offers premier hospitality services for community and private gatherings as well as a diverse lineup of innovative programming for all ages. The War Memorial celebrates the ideals of American democracy through its programming while serving as place to honor and remember those who have defended those ideals. The War Memorial is a place for all people with no membership or residency requirements.
Media Contact
Da’Stanza Murphy
Director of Communications and Advancement
313.881.4053
dmurphy@warmemorial.org