War Memorial awarded grant for Vietnam War Commemoration programming
GROSSE POINTE FARMS June 12, 2025 – The War Memorial has been awarded a $20,000 grant from the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan to support a yearlong series of programs commemorating the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War.
Applied for in November 2024, the grant was awarded through the Community Foundation’s Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Legacy Funds. This funding will enable The War Memorial to present a wide range of public programs designed to foster reflection, understanding, and intergenerational connection. As the nation marks this historic milestone, the organization reaffirms its commitment to honoring veterans and educating the public through meaningful, mission-driven programming.
“We thank the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan for recognizing the importance of honoring our veterans and preserving the legacy of their service,” said War Memorial President & CEO Maria Miller. “This generous support enables us to present meaningful community programming marking the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War. Through powerful storytelling, reflection, and education, we aim to deepen public understanding, engage new generations, and ensure the enduring recognition of those who served.”
The War Memorial’s yearlong commemorative initiative, titled Conflict and Healing: Exploring the Legacy of the Vietnam War, honors the service and sacrifice of Vietnam veterans and their families. Through educational programs and events, the initiative fosters recognition, reflection, and public understanding of the war’s enduring impact. The War Memorial is a proud Commemorative Partner of the United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration, an initiative of the U.S. Department of Defense.
Programs supported by the grant include:
June 18: Vietnam Through The Lens: The James “Skip” Liberty Story
September 18: Flying the P-3 Orion: A Vietnam War Pilot’s Story
October 3–4: Boots on the Ground: America’s War in Vietnam — A two-part engagement with award-winning author Elizabeth Partridge, featuring a student presentation in partnership with Grosse Pointe Public Schools on Oct. 3 and a public talk at The War Memorial on Oct. 4
November 11: Veterans Day Breakfast featuring special guest and keynote speaker, Medal of Honor recipient Jim McCloughan.
To learn more about The War Memorial’s Vietnam War Commemoration Celebration and other events in the program series, visit warmemorial.org/vietnam.
About The War Memorial
The War Memorial, located on the shores of Lake St. Clair in Grosse Pointe Farms, is an experiential space open to everyone. For over 75 years, this nonprofit organization has served as a patriotic, cultural, and community center, offering a wide range of innovative programs for all ages. Annually, The War Memorial welcomes thousands of guests for community events, educational programming, and private gatherings in its unique and historic setting.
At its core, The War Memorial celebrates the ideas of American democracy while honoring those who have defended these ideals with tireless effort and personal sacrifice. As a dynamic and forward-thinking hub for southeast Michigan, The War Memorial remains committed to inspiring and enriching the community through unparalleled experiences. This includes a steadfast commitment to patriotic programming that honors the legacy of service members and amplifies the voices of veterans through storytelling, education, and public engagement.
About Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan
The Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan was established in 1984 to ensure residents in Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Monroe, Washtenaw, Livingston and St. Clair counties can thrive. As a permanent community endowment built by gifts from thousands of individuals and organizations, the Community Foundation supports a variety of activities benefiting economic opportunity, health equity, youth and education, arts and culture, and the environment and public spaces. Since its inception, the Community Foundation has grown to be among the top 35 community foundations in the country and has distributed more than $1.4 billion through roughly 91,000 grants to nonprofit organizations. The Community Foundation’s mission is to make southeast Michigan a desirable place to live, work and play for all residents, today and tomorrow. For more information, please visit www.cfsem.org.
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Media Notes:
Interview opportunities with War Memorial leadership, featured speakers, and participating veterans are available upon request. High-resolution photos and additional background materials can be provided.
CONTACT:
Alex Szwarc, The War Memorial
Patriotic Programming and Communications Administrator
313.881.7514, aszwarc@warmemorial.org