MUSKEGON, MI (WHTC) – The city of Muskegon and Rolling Thunder are hosting a celebration called “D-Day Plus 73” that will feature free events aboard the LST 393, a ship that was there at Omaha beach during World War II. The ship is also a Veterans museum.
June 6th, 2017 will be the 73rd anniversary.
The celebration kicks off with a Friday night swing dance from 7-11 p.m. and then Saturday, June 3 will be a full day of events. A pancake breakfast starts at 8:00 a.m. followed by the arrival of the Michigan Vietnam memorial wall escorted by Honor Ride from Culver’s in Grand Haven. An opening ceremony is at 11:00 a.m., Air Raid at noon and then a 1940’s Pin-Up contest sponsored by Pinups for Patriots. The LST 393 is located at 560 MArt Street in downtown Muskegon.
Pinups for Patriots is an organization of local women who dress in vintage style from the 1940’s and 1950’s. They visit the Veteran’s Home in Grand Rapids, attend events centered around Veterans and often appear at classic car shows.
Beth Bellaire joined Pinups for Patriots in 2013 and it’s her third year as a Pinup. She says she does it because she’s passionate about Pinups and is a very empathetic person.
“I want people to have hope, feel good and be happy and know that people do care. Being in Pinups for Patriots, I get to help women build their self confidence and feel beautiful while we also help our veterans who have many needs. The smiles. Their faces. They light up. They can feel that we appreciate them and feel the vibe from just looking at the happiness of their faces.”
The 1940’s Pinup Contest is at 2 p.m. and WHTC’s Mary Ellen Murphy will host it.
Following the contest will be a battle re-enactment, closing ceremony and then at dusk movies on deck with the featured film “Monuments Men.”
Pinups for Patriots will be in Holland on June 10 for Petapalooza and they are hoping to be a part of Grand Haven’s Coast Guard Festival.
If you’re interested is becoming a Pinup for Patriots, you can contact the organization online.
