Michigan WWII Legacy Memorial launches donation drive to complete memorial
The Michigan WWII Legacy Memorial has launched a donation drive to complete the memorial at Royal Oak Memorial Park, 31100 Woodward Ave., at the northeast corner of 13 Mile Road and Woodward.
The Michigan WWII Legacy Memorial is the state’s official tribute to Michigan’s war front and home front heroes.
“We are currently raising funds to complete the Memorial as designed,” said Memorial President John Maten.
“Help us tell Michigan’s WWII story, the story of selfless sacrifice and courage as we celebrate the freedoms won. Inspire and educate today’s heroes in the making, through a generous contribution.”
Maten said it was humbling to see so many WWII veterans and Rosie the Riveters in attendance this past August at the Phase 1 dedication of The Michigan WWII Legacy Memorial. Ranging in age from 95- to 103-years-young, what struck him the most was their conviction. Many veterans said if the nation needed them today, they would gladly answer the call. Their love of freedom and country was inspiring.
“While the dedication was incredible, the Memorial is not finished,” said Maten.
“Our commitment to carry on the legacy of Michigan’s Greatest Generation, tell their stories, and inspire today’s heroes in the making continues. Our goal is to raise $2 million to complete the Memorial as designed. We cannot do this alone. When our nation’s freedom was threatened, Michigan’s Greatest Generation answered the call. Today I am inviting you to honor their legacy with a generous contribution. Can I count on your support? Stand with me.”
For more information and to donate online or by mail, visit www.michiganww2memorial.org.
Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency marks 10 years of serving veterans
The Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency Fiscal Year 2023 Annual Report states “Serving veterans with purpose and pride,” according to a press release.
From attacking veteran homelessness and suicide to championing new veteran job initiatives, the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA) closed out its first decade in 2023 by continuing to break down the barriers Michigan veterans face in all facets of life.
As spelled out in the
2023 Annual Report, the staff of the MVAA reinforced their unwavering commitment to serving Michigan’s 530,000-plus veterans and their families. For them, serving veterans is not just a job, but a deeply personal mission. Many of the 70+ employees, contractors and volunteers are veterans and most have close family members who served. But all care deeply about helping Michigan’s veterans and their families thrive by getting them connected to the benefits and resources they earned for their service.
Established in 2013, the MVAA is a people-driven agency.
“We consider ourselves a team in every sense of the word, a team that works well together and covers down for one another. There is no room for egos when serving veterans. We also understand that we don’t operate in a silo, which is why we work hand-in-hand with thousands of veteran-friendly organizations and advocates to support our former service members,” agency members said.
As we enter our second decade of serving veterans, we are just as committed as ever to finding innovative ways to accomplish this mission. We will continue breaking down the barriers veterans face in employment, education, health care and quality of life, and we’ll do it with compassion and purpose. We will serve our veterans like it’s personal. Because for us, it is.
Veterans and their dependents can get connected to benefits and resources by calling us at 1-800-MICHVET (1-800-642-4838) or visiting michigan.gov/ MVAA.
Upcoming events
• Holly American Legion Post 149 to host Vet-to-Vet dinner at 5:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 18, at 408 S. Saginaw. All veterans and their significant others welcome. Food provided. For more information, call 810-3489960.
• Royal Oak American Legion Post 253 to host Music Trivia/Name that Tune at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 19, at 1505 N. Main St., Royal Oak. For more information, call 248-546-0490.
• Clarkston American Legion Post 377 to host Bingo from 6 to 9:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 19, at 4819 Mary Sue Ave., Clarkston. For more information, call 248-6739301.
• Berkley American Legion Post 374 to host Music Trivia at 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 21, and Karaoke at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 22 at 2079 W. 12 Mile Road. For more information, call 2485437668.
The Oakland Press is interested in all veterans events in Oakland County. Please send info in the body of an email with subject line “Veterans Affairs” to Sharon Longman at sslstart@ aol.com. Allow two weeks’ notice for scheduled events and include a phone number for readers to call for more information.