Patriotism Remains Strong At The War Memorial As Annual Memorial Day Service Becomes A Virtual Event
The War Memorial honors its patriotic mission by creating a virtual video project in commemoration of Memorial Day
With The War Memorial campus being closed through May 28 in accordance with the State of Michigan Stay Home, Stay Safe executive order, The War Memorial is eager to announce that their annual Memorial Day Service will be shared with the community via a new video project. The moving ceremony, which traditionally has taken place on the lakefront lawn of the historic Alger House, will no longer be a physical event held on the campus, but reimagined through a short film aimed to honor and remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice to our country. The video will be shared with the community on Monday, May 25 through The War Memorial’s social media channels, YouTube page, and website.
The new film project will encompass many of the same treasured traditions of the annual event. The video will feature a moving performance of the United States national anthem; remarks from War Memorial leadership; a keynote address from Brig. General Richard R. Coffman, Director, Next Generation Combat Vehicle Cross Functional Team; 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.
“Each year, The War Memorial is honored to host a solemn service on Memorial Day, serving as a central place of remembrance for our community,” said War Memorial President and CEO Charles Burke. “The very foundation of our institution is built on the names engraved on our walls, and we strive to remember those brave men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms. While we wish we could gather together in person, we believe that this year’s format will allow us to embrace our promise to patriotism, and our community, even during times of uncertainty.”
More information on The War Memorial’s commitment to patriotism can be found at www.warmemorial.org/patriotic.
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About Brigadier General Richard R. Coffman
Upon graduating from Centre College and completing the University of Kentucky’s ROTC program, Richard R. (“Ross”) Coffman was commissioned into the Armor Corps. His company grade years were spent with the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, and the NTC Operations Group. Ross served as a field grade officer in the Joint Interagency Task Force South (JIATF-S), the 1st Armored Division, the National Training Center, and twice with the 3rd Infantry Division. Most recently, Ross served as the Deputy Commanding General for Maneuver in the 1st Infantry Division with duty in Eastern Europe. He currently serves at the Director of the Next Generation Combat Vehicle Cross Functional Team located at the Detroit Arsenal in Warren, Mich. His civilian education includes a Bachelor degree from Centre College, an MBA from Embry Riddle University, and a Graduate Fellowship at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government.
About The War Memorial
For more than 70 years, The War Memorial has been Metro Detroit’s patriotic, cultural, and community center – a unique environment with more than 3,000 events and 250,000 visitors annually.
The War Memorial provides a place to celebrate the ideals of American democracy and to honor and remember those who have defended those ideals with tireless effort and personal sacrifice.
World-class cultural and artistic offerings in 2019 included live performances by The Juilliard String Quartet; Michigan Opera Theatre; Imani Winds; and members of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. A full season of live cinematic broadcasts from New York City’s Metropolitan Opera thrilled audiences, as did The War Memorial’s premiere participation in the Freep Film Festival.
The organization’s ever-growing commitment to presenting influential and inspiring speakers has included former first daughter Barbara Pierce Bush; Maj. Mary Jennings Hegar; Dr. Cornell West; Glennon Doyle Melton; and many local and regional intellectuals, including a full series of lectures from Oakland University professors. Additionally, The War Memorial hosts discussions with regional and national thought leaders on its monthly radio show and podcast, Inspired Heroes.
Community celebrations included SummerFest, the annual multiweek festival of free concerts, movies, and theatrical performances.
Patriotic and veterans’ events included the longstanding and beloved Memorial Day Service; 9/11 Service of Remembrance; Veterans Day Breakfast; 1,000 Christmas Salutes; as well as enlistment and retirement ceremonies, free military concerts, and the Evening of Red, White, and Blue gala fundraiser.
The War Memorial serves its community by supporting the diverse offerings of resident partners, including, but not limited to, the Grosse Pointe Artists Association; the Grosse Pointe Garden Center; The Family Center; the Junior League of Detroit; the Grosse Pointes-Harper Woods NAACP Branch; the Eastside Republican Club; the Grosse Pointe Democratic Club; the Grosse Pointe Senior Ladies Club; the Senior Men’s Club of Grosse Pointe; the Grosse Pointe Veterans Club; and faith-based youth group, WyldLife.
Ranked a top Grosse Pointe attraction by survey respondents, The Patriot Theater at The War Memorial features a wide variety of films and documentaries ranging from historical dramas, comedies, children’s entertainment and art appreciation, as well as partnerships with authors and filmmakers. In 2019, The Patriot Theater became a premiere venue for the Freep Film Festival; this honor will continue in 2020.
With new programming and innovative leadership, The War Memorial is a unique, dynamic and forward-thinking hub for southeast Michigan with a mission to be a patriotic, cultural, and community leader. More information can be found at www.warmemorial.org
Media Contacts
Jessi Kaminski
Manager of Communications and Programming
313.332.4053
jkaminski@warmemorial.org