War Memorial Center : MAY 2019
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MAY 2019
EXCLUSIVE SCREENING
OF SIJAN MOVIE
Join us this Thursday, May 9, at 6pm for the first Milwaukee screening of SIJAN since its debut at the Milwaukee Film Festival. Recently screened at the Pentagon to rave reviews, SIJAN tells the unbelievable but true story of Captain Lance P. Sijan, a Milwaukee Air Force pilot and Medal of Honor recipient. He was shot down during the Vietnam War and survived for 45 days in the jungle without food or water.
Sijan’s story of resilience, valor and love is told by his sister Janine Sijan Rozina, who co-wrote/directed/produced the film. After the film, Janine will speak about the film and her brother’s legacy. There will also be memorabilia from Sijan’s life on display, including his Medal of Honor.
Come and leave inspired by this Milwaukee hero's story.
SIJAN BUS TOUR
The Lance Sijan Memorial Tour on May 4 drew more than 100 people to pay tribute to this local Medal of Honor recipient, who died in a prison camp during the Vietnam War. The 3.5-hour tour, led by Lance's sister Janine Sijan, started at Lance Sijan's school, Bay View High School, then stopped at the Mitchell Gallery of Flight at the airport for a presentation in the Sijan Conference Center, then to the Capt. Lance Sijan Memorial Plaza.
From there a motorcade of dozens of veteran and civilian motorcycle riders, led by Medal of Honor recipient Gary Wetzel and the Milwaukee Police Department, led the buses to Arlington Park Cemetery to see the Lance Sijan memorial marker and family burial plot.
The motorcycle escort continued to the War Memorial Center, where guests saw the memorials connected to the Lance Sijan story, including the Southeast Wisconsin Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the Gary G. Wetzel Medal of Honor Marker, the Purple Heart Memorial, the Gold Star Family Memorial, and the Honor Roll.
Tour guests included 45 Milwaukee Fire cadets, let by military veteran and MFD Captain Bill Paulin. Along the tour route, members of the 128th Air Refueling Wing added an Air Force presence, along with an airman from the northern Chicago U.S. Military Entrance Processing Command.
JULY 3RD FIREWORKS RETURN
The show will go on for the Milwaukee tradition of July 3rd lakefront fireworks, thanks to the big announcement by the Milwaukee Brewers, Christian Yelich, American Family Insurance and philanthropist Ted Kellner.
The annual spectacle draws thousands to the lakefront every summer. The War Memorial Center offers the best seats and best party on the lakefront with a magical evening planned for July 3rd. We offer exclusive seating on our plaza along with a buffet dinner and live music as we wait for the fireworks to begin. Don’t delay in getting your tickets! We are selling at a record pace this year.
LARGEST SCHOOL VISIT OF THE YEAR
More than 300 students from 5 MPS schools and one suburban school enjoyed the spring session of Old Abe and Raptors, the War Memorial Center's biggest one-day education event. After learning about famed Civil War eagle mascot, Old Abe, from a Civil War reenactor, students enjoyed a Schlitz-Audubon raptor show, featuring four live birds, including a bald eagle.
CHAIRMAN'S LETTER
Farewell to the Vice-Chairman: WMC Board Vice-Chairman Col. Mike Pierce, USAF (Ret.), has served the WMC with pride and distinction for the past three years and is moving on to greater challenges. The board thanked Mike for his wise counsel and dedication to the War Memorial Center and presented him a plaque recognizing his many contributions. Thanks Mike, and safe travels. Board member Mike Grebe was elected the new Vice-Chairman.
Welcome New Board Member: The WMC Board of Trustees is pleased to announce that Mary B. Read has been added to our team. Mary is well-known and brings a wealth of experience and dedication to our team. Welcome aboard, Mary.
Vietnam Blue Water Vets Have Hope: Since the end of the Vietnam War, military members who served on the ocean had been denied Agent Orange connected benefits that had been approved for those who served on the rivers. An appeals court ruling has given new definition to the 1991 Agent Orange Act which may expand the number of Vietnam vets covered. While the issue may not be settled, if you served in Vietnam between January 9, 1962 and May 7, 1975 and you have had medical issues, you need to report this to your local VA hospital very soon.
Help for Bankrupt Disabled Vets: A bill has been introduced in the Senate that would protect the benefits of disabled vets filing for bankruptcy. The general population does not suffer similar penalties by losing social security benefits during normal bankruptcy proceedings. It only seems proper that disabled vets should not either. Some vets may avoid bankruptcy when considering the potential loss of their disability benefits, which may also add to the horrendous veteran suicide rate in America.
Happy Memorial Day: On behalf of the War Memorial Board and staff, I wish everyone a Happy Memorial Day. Take time to enjoy your families, have a BBQ and enjoy yourselves, but please take a moment to remember those who gave their lives so we could have these moments. I especially ask you to remember the 3,481 Milwaukee County veterans who died in action while defending our freedom. Their names grace the Honor Roll that surrounds our Eternal Flame at the War Memorial Center. All gave some-Some gave all. Please take a moment to remember them on this day – THEIR day.
— Peter P. Pochowski, WMC Board Chairman
MEMORIAL DAY
PARADE ENDS AT
WAR MEMORIAL CENTER
This Memorial Day, May 27, the 154th annual Milwaukee Memorial Day Parade steps off at 2 pm from 4th and Wisconsin. As is tradition, the parade ends at the War Memorial Center with a wreath laying ceremony in front of the Eternal Flame in Veterans Courtyard.
We are excited to see two wonderful friends of the War Memorial Center front and center at this year’s parade. Army veteran George Banda is the Grand Marshall and the 2019 Milwaukee County Veteran of the Year, Rev. Ray Stubbe, will be featured in the parade, which this year honors the U.S. Army. Please make plans to join us for this wonderful Milwaukee tradition that puts meaning into your Memorial Day Weekend plans.
WWII AFRICAN-AMERICAN
FEMALE UNIT FILM
Mark your calendars and make plans to join us on June 6 at 6 pm for this film and panel discussion about the 6888th Women’s Army Corps Unit during World War II.
This documentary tells the relatively unknown story of the 855 African-American female members who served in the unit known as the “Six Triple Eight,” the only all African-American female unit sent overseas during World War II.
Anna Mae Robertson, one of 5 surviving members of the 6888th, will be in attendance and Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reporter Meg Jones will moderate a panel after the film with the director, Major General Marcia Anderson, Wisconsin DVA women's state coordinator Tiffany Koehler, and others.
Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs is co-sponsoring the event.
VETFEST IS AUGUST 8
Summer is almost here and we want to invite you to make VetFest part of your summer plans!
This is a great way to Thank a Veteran and celebrate all those who serve.
This FREE, family-friendly event is held on the city’s most sought-after lakefront terrace on Aug. 8, 2019, from 3 to 10 pm.
Activities include:
- Veteran Autograph Station
- Photobooth with authentic military uniforms
- Appearances by Milwaukee Brewers Famous Racing Sausages ®
- Live Music with headliner 5 Card Stud
- Veteran Vendor/Maker Fair
- Food and Beverage available for purchase from veteran owned Westallion Brewing Company and Solly’s Grille
Be sure to join us as we celebrate over 60 years of honoring veterans at the War Memorial Center! Thank you, Cargill for sponsoring this year’s VetFest.
PROJECT 22 RUN/WALK
The War Memorial Center partnered with UW-Milwaukee's Military and Veteran Resource Center to present the 5th Annual Project 22 event to raise awareness of veteran suicide. This year, a 2.2-mile walk/run along the lakefront was added to the 22-mile motorcycle ride. The Collins family attended to honor the memory of LCpl Jeremiah Collins (USMC), who died by suicide in 2013.
