The week leading up to, and including, Memorial Day brought about the culmination of a few significant events at The War Memorial in Grosse Pointe Farms.
The new Fred M. Alger Center at The War Memorial was officially dedicated during the return of the annual gala- An Evening of Red, White & Blue. Next, the Midwest’s newest public art installation, Les Braves II: At Water’s Edge was dedicated, and finally the annual Memorial Day ceremony was held to honor and remember those who have given the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.
An Evening of Red, White, & Blue, held on May 24th, featured the dedication of the Fred M. Alger Center. Highlights included a cocktail hour, remarks from board members, staff, and donors, a formal dinner, dessert, and a fireworks display over Lake St. Clair.
On May 25th, the art sculpture was dedicated at a ceremony that was attended by over 500 people. French artist and sculptor of Les Braves, Anilore Banon spoke at the event with Professor Greg Jackson serving as keynote speaker. The night also included a performance by the U.S. Army Herald Trumpets and jazz clarinet player Dave Bennett.
The 50-foot-wide and 25-foot-tall art piece is the first of its kind in North America, similar to the original Les Braves in Normandy, France — located on Omaha Beach. Les Braves was created for the 60th anniversary of the D-Day invasion and sculpted by Banon.
Born in Casablanca, Morocco, Banon moved to France when she was a few months old. She describes her artwork as abstract, “monumental, large-scale sculptures,” carefully choosing where a piece is displayed, and determining what she is trying to express in a sculpture.
“I see the people that fought there and brought freedom and honor back,” Banon said when asked what she sees in Les Braves II. “I see the courage of these young people leaving their country for others.”
Les Braves II consists of three thematic elements: The Wings of Hope; Rise, Freedom; And The Wings of Fraternity.
Also at the Les Braves II dedication, The U.S. Army Herald Trumpets performed the National Anthem, a few fanfares throughout, Taps, and closed the program with a full performance. The group receives plenty of requests to perform each year, but events that have national and/or international significance are given top priority for the ensemble to perform at. The dedication ceremony for Les Braves II fit the criteria.
Founded in 1959, the U.S. Army Herald Trumpets were formed to add splendor to official military ceremonies. They can often be seen lining the South Portico of the White House, as the president welcomes foreign ambassadors, royalty, and visiting heads of state. They are comprised of 14 trumpeters, three drummers, a conductor and announcer. The full 19-member ensemble played at The War Memorial.
“In the United States, there’s not a lot of full herald trumpets ensembles,” Sgt. 1st Class Jeremy McBride said. McBride is part of the U.S. Army Herald Trumpets, joining in 2013. “We might be the only one that is our size.”
The Herald Trumpets are a performing element of The U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own.” Based at Fort Myer in Arlington, Virginia, the Herald Trumpets are the official fanfare ensemble to The President of The United States.
McBride commented that trumpet players in the Army Band frequently play Taps, including at the Tomb of The Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery. They also play at Arlington for simple honor funerals and full honor funerals.
