Searching for Names of the Last Living Michigan World War II Veterans

Searching for Names of the Last Living Michigan World War II Veterans 

Honoring the Greatest Generation

June 6, 2014 will mark the 70th anniversary of D-Day – when 73,000 American troops joined Allied forces in the largest amphibious invasion in world history, leading to a decisive Allied victory marking the beginning of the end of World War II in Europe.

The Lakeshore Lancers Marching Band of Stevensville, Michigan, has been invited to join as an official representative of Michigan in Normandy, France, in June of 2014. The kids will join the American Liberation Victory Parade that will step off on the actual anniversary day, June 6, 2014 in the French village of Sainte-Mere-Eglise, the first village to be liberated by American troops.  As part of the commemoration activities, they will also perform at the American Cemetery of Omaha Beach and on the grounds of the French Senate in Paris.

The band will be one of three (maybe four) American bands going to Normandy, and the only one from Michigan. With 160 members, they will be the largest participating band!

During their performances in Normandy, the marching students want to wear a ribbon in honor of each of the last living WWII veterans of Michigan. Upon their return to the United States, these epaulettes will be mailed back to the veterans as a mark of gratitude and appreciation.

We need your help in identifying these last Michigan heroes of World War II!

If you know any of them, please send the name, address, and phone number of these veterans so that we can honor them:

Mrs. Von Koenig, Director of Bands

Lakeshore Public Schools

5771 Cleveland Avenue

Stevensville, MI 49127

A 3-time State Champion, the Lakeshore band already represented the State of Michigan in 2004 at the inauguration of the World War II memorial in Washington, D.C. You can find more information about this program and how you can support them on the website www.ddaymichigan.com.

The American Legion Department of Michigan represents over 70,000 members in the State of Michigan. The American Legion was founded in 1919, based on “The Four Pillars”; veteran rehabilitation, Americanism, child welfare, and national security and continued above all its mission as a consumers’ advocate for veterans. For more information contact the Michigan Legion at 517-371-4720 ext 16, mark@michiganlegion.org, or visit our website at www.michiganlegion.org.