The Michigan WWII Legacy Memorial of Royal Oak works to fulfill its educational mission by partnering with Detroit History Tours for a bus tour fundraiser titled “Detroit in WWII.”
The Michigan WWII Legacy Memorial bus tour with Detroit History Tours is 6 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday, May 18, meeting at the Detroit History Tours Office, 3103 Commor, Hamtramck.
During the Second World War, Detroit gained the moniker the “Arsenal of Democracy,” for its role as a major manufacturer of war material during the biggest and deadliest conflict in history. But Detroit was more than just factories: it was a training ground, a place of refuge, and even a site to house POWs, according to a press release.
“Join Detroit History Tours as we delve into the rich history of World War II behind the everyday landmarks that we all know and love,” said Detroit History Tours owner Bailey Sisoy Moore.
“Together we will explore the “real history” of Rosie the Riveter and toast her at a bar that would have hosted the women who did the work on the home front during the war. We’ll visit a popular park with one of its most popular attractions tied to saving Europe’s horticultural heritage from the scourge of the Nazis. We’ll visit one of the few remaining sites that housed POWs in Detroit and explore Detroit, Highland Park and Hamtramck together.”
Bailey, the author of the children’s book “Rosie a Detroit Herstory”, has been a contributor on the Travel Channel and is a frequent guest on history-themed podcasts.
The Michigan WWII Legacy Memorial is the state’s official tribute to its contributions during the war. Honoring those who worked diligently on the home front and fought on the war front, this memorial will inspire future generations.
Statue scenes will depict Land, Air and Sea from a Michigan perspective. A brick paver Walk of Honor will tell individual stories of our Michigan heroes. A series of pillars will honor service, sacrifice, industry, labor, commitment, and change. A grassy amphitheater will provide a public space for events and commemoration.
The memorial will be a resource for education, programs, events, and veteran outreach. Phase 1 of the project began in the fall of 2022 and will be completed this spring. Fundraising continues for the remaining phases.
The Michigan WWII Legacy Memorial is at, Royal Oak Memorial Park, at the northeast corner of 13 Mile and
Woodward, 31050 Woodward Avenue. Seating is limited. Tickets are $70. Deadline is May 11 or until seats fill up. For more information and to register or make a donation, visit www.michiganww2memorial.org.
Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs reminds residents to donate to the Military Family Relief Fund to Support Troops
With Tax Day approaching, the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs is reminding Michiganders that they can designate a portion of their income tax return to the Military Family Relief Fund, according to a press release.
The Military Family Relief Fund provides grants funding financial assistance to qualifying families of Michigan military members in either the National Guard or Reserves who are called to active duty. Grants can be used for clothing, food, housing, utilities, medical services or prescriptions, insurance payments, vehicle payments or other related necessities of daily living.
To designate a portion of the income tax return to the Military Family Relief Fund, complete line 4 of the Voluntary Contributions Schedule (Form MI-4642) and carry over this amount to line 22 of the Individual Income Tax Return (MI-1040).
Form MI-4642 must be included with form MI-1040 to ensure the contribution is properly credited to the designated fund. Donors can also send a check or money order made out to the “State of Michigan” and mail to: Military Family Relief Fund, c/o Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, 3423 N. Martin Luther King Jr.
Blvd., Lansing, MI 48906.
The Michigan National Guard Family Programs Office may be reached at 1-888-MICH-FAM.
Upcoming events
• Royal Oak American Legion Post 253 to host Music Trivia at 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 28 and Fish Fry at 4 p.m. Friday, March 31, at 1505 N. Main St. For more information, call 248-546-0490.
• Clarkston American Legion Post 377 to host Bingo from 6 to 9:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 28 and Fish Fry from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, March 31, at 4819 Mary Sue Avenue. For more information, call 248-673-9301.
• Milford American Legion Post 216 to host Burger Nite from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, March 30, at 510 W. Commerce St. For more information, call 248-684-9919.
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.
