Historic photo captured scene on Omaha Beach during the Normandy Invasion June 6, 1944. "Greatest Generation" Film May 30 at State Theatre to Benefit Veterans Fund
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A committee of local citizens is teaming with the Bay County Veterans Council and the State Theatre to raise money for the depleted emergency fund that aids vets in dire need.
"The numbers of veterans in need is going up, especially those from Iraq, Afghanistan, Desert Storm and other recent conflicts," said County Commissioner Vaughn Begick, who served in Viet Nam as a medic. "Especially in view of the struggling economy, many vets are unable to find work to support themselves and their families."
The Bay County Veterans Council tries to help homeless veterans and others who need funds to pay for rent, food, heat, lights, water and other expenses. The emergency fund is used when other resources run short and/or the veteran is not eligible for other funding, according to Ray Essenmacher, an official of the council.
Besides support and counseling, the Veterans Council maintains the Veterans Memorial at the county building, provides honor guards at funerals and erects flags at veterans' graves on Memorial Day. It also coordinates Memorial Day ceremonies involving salutes and tributes to veterans at each cemetery in Bay County.
Committee members include Mr. Begick, retired school principal Christine Gavrila, a Marine in World War II, Dolores Maillette, a Navy Wave in WWII, Ray Essenmacher of the Veterans Council, Grace Chevalier, Keith Markstrom, Jim Hollerbach, Mike Bacigalupo, Dee Dee Wacksman and Dave and Dolores Rogers, although others are expected to join.
The group is planning a showing of the made in Detroit film, "The Greatest Generation," on Sunday, May 30 at 2 p.m. This celebrated 90-minute film was produced by Keith Famie of Visionalist Entertainment, Wixom, Michigan.
"As living witnesses to events in history which not only changed the world but also insured our freedoms and the perseverance of American ideals, there is no more fitting time to express our gratitude to these men and women, and their comrades in arms," said Mr. Famie.
Recent showings at the Fox Theater in Detroit drew about 4,000 persons to benefit Michigan Paralyzed Veterans and the Yankee Air Museum. Noted Saginaw musician Stewart Francke played at the premiere.
The film highlights Michigan's role in war as the "arsenal of democracy" and features dozens of World War II veterans, including Sgt. Gavrila, a Detroit native who moved to Bay City with her husband, Octavian, in the 1950s. The Gavrilas ran Tony's Amusement Park and partnered with Bob and Ilene Darbee at the Putt Tee Golf and Roll Air Rink for many years.
Local veterans will be honored at the film and are requested to wear military gear and other memorabilia if they wish.
The committee is seeking sponsors at the $50, $100 and $250 levels, or more, for the event. Admission to the film is $10 for adults and $5 for students. Sponsors are sought for tickets for needy veterans who may want to attend. Please make checks payable to the State Theatre Veterans Fund, a 501(c)3 charitable organization, and mail to the State Theatre, 913 Washington Ave., Bay City, MI 48708 or contact any committee member to donate.
The committee will meet Friday, March 19 at 4 p.m. in the old commission chambers on the second floor of the Bay County Building. Anyone interested in participating is welcome to attend. For more information contact 686-5544.
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