Patriotism at The War Memorial — The War Memorial PATRIOTISM Everything we do reflects a patriotic spirit. Honoring Our Veterans Our veterans are not just names in a history book. They are our fathers and our brothers, our mothers and our sisters, they are our friends and our neighbors. They are the heroes next door. Their stories of sacrifice and courage must be preserved and shared with every generation so that we as a community may always be mindful of the selfless, brave individuals that are responsible for keeping our nation free. We accomplish this feat multiple ways including the plaques we have on our walls, our digital honor rolls on our website, the Les Braves II: At Water’s Edge Sculpture, our annual Memorial Day celebration, the new Patriot Gallery, and veteran focused events. Read more about some of our initiatives below. Honor For their heroism and dedication, we honor patriots in every form, from veterans to local police. Upon the walls of the historic Alger estate, our Memorial names every warrior from Grosse Pointe, Michigan, who served, or gave his or her life, to protect our nation. Our mission is to honor our nation’s patriots. Serve Our diverse programming lifts up veterans by connecting, supporting, enriching, and honoring them. Offering many annual patriotic events, classes, and lectures on our campus for free or at discounted prices, and collaborating with our community partners, helps us further the community’s education about veterans’ legacies. Advocate Providing a strong and consistent demonstration of patriotism, The War Memorial leads the charge to recognize patriots in our community, across our nation, and throughout our lives. We also mobilize support for policy and awareness reminding us how frequently everyone is affected by patriotism. Memorial Weeks Events Our Community Salutes Thursday, May 5, 2026 | 6pm This special evening is dedicated to these young men and women and their families, acknowledging their commitment to serve our nation. The event provides a meaningful opportunity for the community to express gratitude, offer support, and celebrate their transition into military service. More Information Red, White, & Blue Wednesday, May 20, 2026 | 6pm Set against the backdrop of this historic gem, the evening will feature live music, a strolling reception, sumptuous dinner, and more opportunities to support our mission. With this being part of our America 250 programming, you can expect a motif that is historically American. More Information Memorial Day Ceremony Monday, May 25, 2026 | 10am This time-honored ceremony will include musical tributes, remarks of remembrance and honor, and a recitation of Grosse Pointe residents who lost their lives in service to our country. We gather on the lakefront lawn of the historic Alger House, to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice. More INformation Upcoming Patriotic Events May 5, 2026 Our Community Salutes May 5, 2026 May 5, 2026 May 7, 2026 VetConnect Seminar Series with Lisa Lark May 7, 2026 May 7, 2026 May 20, 2026 An Evening of Red, White & Blue May 20, 2026 May 20, 2026 May 25, 2026 Memorial Day May 25, 2026 May 25, 2026 Jun 11, 2026 Vet-To-Vet: Medal of Honor Convention Update Jun 11, 2026 Jun 11, 2026 Jul 14, 2026 VetConnect Seminar Series: Trip to Selfridge Military Air Museum Jul 14, 2026 Jul 14, 2026 Aug 20, 2026 Vet-To-Vet Aug 20, 2026 Aug 20, 2026 Apr 1, 2026 Vietnam veteran reflects on service and resilience: ‘I just did my job’ Apr 1, 2026 Apr 1, 2026 Feb 1, 2026 Service and Serendipity: A veteran’s love story began at the War Memorial Feb 1, 2026 Feb 1, 2026 Dec 1, 2025 Patty Drury: a story of service and patriotism Dec 1, 2025 Dec 1, 2025 Nov 1, 2025 Tom Sherry showcases a photographer's perspective of Vietnam Nov 1, 2025 Nov 1, 2025 Oct 1, 2025 Medal of Honor recipient to provide keynote address at Veterans Day Breakfast Oct 1, 2025 Oct 1, 2025 Sep 1, 2025 Veteran to present on the P-3 Orion as part of yearlong Vietnam commemoration Sep 1, 2025 Sep 1, 2025 Aug 1, 2025 Vietnam-era veteran pleased with decision to be part of submarine operations Aug 1, 2025 Aug 1, 2025 Jul 1, 2025 War Memorial supporter and American Legion member shares memories from Vietnam War Jul 1, 2025 Jul 1, 2025 Jun 1, 2025 Life, ‘Liberty’ and the pursuit of a documentary Jun 1, 2025 Jun 1, 2025 May 1, 2025 Former board chairman and Vietnam veteran pleased to see War Memorial in good condition May 1, 2025 May 1, 2025 Apr 1, 2025 Vietnam veteran and storyteller ready for appearance at The War Memorial Apr 1, 2025 Apr 1, 2025 Mar 1, 2025 Stress management and service: The Bob Rabe story Mar 1, 2025 Mar 1, 2025 Mar 1, 2025 Vietnam veteran discusses deep respect for service Mar 1, 2025 Mar 1, 2025 Jan 1, 2025 Marine veteran never forgets sacrifices of fellow soldiers Jan 1, 2025 Jan 1, 2025 Nov 1, 2024 A celebrated centenarian: The Johnny Cirelle story Nov 1, 2024 Nov 1, 2024 Nov 1, 2024 Honor and duty: The John Cary story Nov 1, 2024 Nov 1, 2024 Sep 1, 2024 Former POW recalls the action of World War II Sep 1, 2024 Sep 1, 2024 May 1, 2024 Ahead of 80th anniversary, veteran shares D-Day memories May 1, 2024 May 1, 2024 Mar 1, 2024 World War II veteran honored as part of War Memorial’s Veterans Day gathering Mar 1, 2024 Mar 1, 2024 Mar 1, 2024 Former Grosse Pointe resident grateful for War Memorial’s recognition of Vietnam veterans Mar 1, 2024 Mar 1, 2024 Jan 1, 2024 At almost 100, World War II veteran remains active in gatherings at The War Memorial Jan 1, 2024 Jan 1, 2024 Nov 1, 2023 Grosse Pointe resident who served in the Air Force proud to work with veterans Nov 1, 2023 Nov 1, 2023 Sep 1, 2023 Navy World War II veteran one of four honored at dedication ceremony Sep 1, 2023 Sep 1, 2023 Jul 1, 2023 100-year-old veteran one of the last Montford Pointe Marines Jul 1, 2023 Jul 1, 2023 Forever Remembered Bronzed plaques near The War Memorial's historic grand staircase preserve the names of those Grosse Pointe residents who served — and those who gave their lives — in World War II. Smaller plaques in the entrance hall memorialize those who served in the Korean and Vietnam conflicts, as well as in Operation Desert Storm. Additionally, a meritorious service plaque honors those killed during peacetime. The names of these heroes have a permanent place here at The War Memorial. The fashion in which they are displayed may vary, but their valor will never fade. You can see those names Patriotic Programming Fund The War Memorial is privileged to offer legacy-rich patriotic programming - annually pillared by our Memorial Week Celebrations, 9/11 Service of Remembrance, and Veterans Day Breakfast. We also provide networking events, informational seminars, historical lectures, and patriotic activities to enrich the lives of our veterans, active military personnel, their families and the greater community. These events, and other innovative collaborations with our community partners, provide opportunities for our regional community to gather, reflect and to express a patriotic spirit. Donate to the Patriotic Programming Fund Patriot Gallery The Patriot Gallery, located underneath the Ballroom of the Fred M. Alger Center, has entrances from both inside the building and from the promenade on the back lawn. With rotating exhibits, the gallery will continually have new and exciting historical pieces and works of art displayed. After taking in the beauty of Les Braves II: At Water’s Edge, make a quick stop in the gallery before heading up the stairs. Learn more about the Patriot Gallery Thank You to our Patriotic Sponsor