The War Memorial

06/10/2026

Summer creativity starts next week at The War Memorial with Campville!

Get ready for an unforgettable week of imagination, color, and hands-on fun with our art camps:

🎨Mini Picassos: Animal Adventure Art Camp
Young artists will go wild about art as they create animal-inspired masterpieces, explore different artistic techniques, and bring their favorite creatures to life.

🦄Creative Nature: Mythical Creatures Art Camp
From dragons and unicorns to brave heroes and magical worlds, campers will unleash their creativity while designing fantastical characters and imaginative works of art.

Whether your child loves animals, fantasy, or simply creating, these camps are the perfect way to kick off a summer filled with inspiration and fun.

Spots are filling fast, so register for these camps and more at warmemorial.org/campville

06/10/2026

Why is The War Memorial's monthly giving program called Wings of Hope?

The name comes from one of the three sections of Les Braves II: At Water's Edge.

French artist Anilore Banon described Wings of Hope as a reminder that together, it is always possible to change the future.

That message inspired the name of our monthly giving program and continues to guide our work today.

The freedoms we enjoy, the stories we remember, and the places that bring people together endure because each generation chooses to carry them forward.

Through their ongoing support, Wings of Hope members help ensure that veterans are honored, history is preserved, and meaningful experiences continue to bring people together at The War Memorial.

Learn more about Wings of Hope at warmemorial.org/wingsofhope.

📸Inner Circle Photography

06/09/2026

Where will 2027 take you?

Join us on Wednesday, June 24 at 1 p.m. as Tracey Schenk from Premier World Discovery walks us through 3 incredible journeys on the horizon:

🌺 Hawaii 3 Island Adventure | Feb. 16, 2027
🛳️ Alaska Cruise Tour | June 24, 2027
🏰 Eastern Europe & the Lower Danube River Cruise | Oct. 1, 2027

Come curious, leave inspired. Tracey will answer your questions and help you start planning your next great adventure. Coffee, water & tea provided.

Visit warmemorial.org/events/world-discovery to RSVP for the presentation.

06/09/2026

Have you always wanted to learn to draw but weren't sure where to begin?

Whether you're picking up a pencil for the first time or looking to strengthen your skills, Intro to Drawing provides a welcoming place to build confidence and develop your artistic eye.

Beginning June 15, artist and instructor Elizabeth Gauthier will guide participants through the fundamentals of drawing using charcoal, graphite, and pen & ink. Through hands-on instruction and practice, you'll learn techniques that help turn observation into expression—one sketch at a time.

By the end of six weeks, you'll have a stronger foundation, new creative skills, and the confidence to keep drawing long after class ends.

Register at bit.ly/4x7Xb3y.

This course is an introduction to drawing techniques, focusing on the mediums of charcoal, graphite, and pen and ink. While this is a beginner course, it is also perfect for an intermediate artist looking to practice and refine their skills. CLICK HERE FOR CLASS SUPPLY LIST

06/06/2026

82 years ago today, Allied forces landed on the beaches of Normandy.

The events of June 6, 1944, are now part of history, but the courage, sacrifice, and sense of duty displayed that day continue to resonate across generations.

On this D-Day anniversary, we remember those who served and honor the enduring legacy of all who helped secure the freedoms we enjoy today.

06/05/2026

We are honored to be named Best Wedding Venue in Hour Detroit Magazine's Best of Detroit 2026 awards.

Thank you to everyone who voted for us and to the couples, families, and guests who have made The War Memorial part of their most meaningful celebrations over the years.

We share this recognition with our dedicated team members whose hard work, hospitality, and commitment help create memorable experiences every day.

Thank you for being part of our story.

Learn more about this recognition and what it means to The War Memorial: www.warmemorial.org/press/best-of-detroit

Photographer: Blaine Siesser

06/04/2026

Every summer, thousands gather at The War Memorial for free concerts, outdoor movies, and evenings along the shores of Lake St. Clair.

SummerFest is made possible through the generosity of local businesses and community partners who believe in accessible arts, cultural, and family programming.

⏰ Businesses that commit by Friday, June 5 will be included in our upcoming SummerFest postcard mailing.

Join us in supporting one of Southeast Michigan's most cherished summer traditions. Learn more about sponsorship opportunities: warmemorial.org/summerfest

06/03/2026

Did you know one of the world's most recognizable D-Day memorial sculptures has a sister sculpture right here in Southeast Michigan?

French artist Anilore Banon created Les Braves on Omaha Beach in Normandy, France, to honor the Allied forces who landed on D-Day. She later created Les Braves II: At Water's Edge, which stands on the grounds of The War Memorial overlooking Lake St. Clair.

The War Memorial is one of only two places in the world where visitors can experience this powerful work of art.

Comprised of three sections—Wings of Hope, Rise, Freedom!, and Wings of Fraternity—the sculpture conveys messages of hope, freedom, and human connection that continue to resonate today.

As the 82nd anniversary of D-Day approaches this Saturday, we invite you to visit, reflect, and remember those whose courage and sacrifice helped shape the course of history.

05/29/2026

Images by Blaine Siesser

An Evening of Red, White & Blue was a celebration of America the Beautiful - its history, its promise, and the people who have fought to see it endure for over 250 years. This gathering deserved to be in the hands of people who cared deeply about getting it right.

And it was. We are grateful beyond words for the talented and dedicated professionals who came together and poured their time, talent, and passion into this evening and not just because it was their craft, but because they believed in what it stood for.

With heartfelt thanks to:
Planning & Design: ; Floral Design: ; Specialty Rentals, AV & Lighting: Display Group; Specialty Rentals: Blacktieventdecor, Event Theory, Event Source; Draping: ; Vinyl: Detroit Vinyl Wraps; Music: Gary Greenfelder Orchestra, Shelby 5, The 1st Michigan Colonial Fife and Drum Corps; Auctioneer: ; Croquembouche: Bella e Dolce Cakes - Metro Detroit; Photography: , Inner Circle Photography; Videography: Tenthirty Films; Content Creation: ; Photobooth: Kid & Play