War Memorial's mission inspires board member to include the nonprofit in estate plans
For Rick Lueders, supporting The War Memorial has been a journey shaped by service, relationships, and remembrance. What began as an appreciation for the institution grew into a deeper commitment through board service, where he gained firsthand insight into its mission and the impact it has on veterans and the broader community.
A member of The War Memorial Board of Directors since 2024 and currently board treasurer, Rick’s generosity extends beyond his lifetime through a planned gift that honors the memory of his son, Tom, while helping ensure The War Memorial can continue serving future generations. His legacy is one rooted in both personal love and a lasting belief in the power of community.
If Rick’s story inspires you, we invite you to consider becoming a member of The Moorings Legacy Society, which honors individuals who have made a special legacy commitment to support The War Memorial.
You've supported The War Memorial in many ways over the years—as a donor, board member, and now a legacy donor. What first drew you to the organization, and what has kept you engaged?
While I have always been aware of The War Memorial’s presence it was the personal relationship that I had with its former leader that served to broaden my knowledge and understanding of the institution and its mission. Subsequently I have learned a great deal about the importance of what we do and how well we serve the community.
How has serving on the Board of Directors shaped your understanding of The War Memorial's mission and inspired your decision to include it in your estate plans?
Serving on the Board has provided a significantly more in-depth understanding of both mission and challenges. Including The War Memorial in my estate planning is a wonderful way to help support The War Memorial’s mission, both now and in the future, but hopefully not too soon in the future!”
“Including The War Memorial in my estate planning is a wonderful way to help support The War Memorial’s mission, both now and in the future, but hopefully not too soon in the future!””
What motivated you to make a planned gift, and what does that commitment mean to you personally?
My planned gift was constructed to memorize my son’s legacy in the community.
In May 2023, a memorial tribute plaque for Tom Lueders was installed at The War Memorial. The plaque is located outside, on the terrace near the doors to the Patriot Gallery in the Fred M. Alger Center. It was given in loving memory of Tom by Rick and Susie Lueders, his father and stepmother. In 2006, Tom died at the age of 26 when he and Rick were on a trip in Key West, Florida. Tom was a graduate of Grosse Pointe South High School, class of 1999 and from Boston College. He died of carbon monoxide poisoning after it leaked from a faulty boiler next to their hotel room.
How do you hope your future gift will impact The War Memorial and the community for generations to come, and what does leaving a legacy through The War Memorial mean to you?
It is my hope that my future gift will help sustain The War Memorial's mission by supporting its veteran and community services for generations to come. At its heart, this legacy is about the people we serve and the lasting memories created through the programs, events, and experiences that bring our community together. I want to know that future generations will continue to benefit from everything The War Memorial provides. To anyone who has supported The War Memorial but hasn't yet considered including it in their estate plans, I would simply say: take action. It would be difficult to find a more worthy cause, and tomorrow is not guaranteed to any of us. By making this commitment today, you can create a lasting legacy that continues to strengthen our community long into the future.
“It would be difficult to find a more worthy cause, and tomorrow is not guaranteed to any of us.”