WGVU sponsors LZ Michigan 2017

LZ (Landing Zone) Michigan, a program aimed at remembering, honoring and celebrating veterans and their families for their sacrifice and service, will return to West Michigan in 2017.

The announcement was made by WGVU Public Media July 28 at the Wyoming VA Health Care Center.

WGVU Public Media, PBS Stories of Service, ArtPrize and the West Michigan Whitecaps are coming together to sponsor the event, which is expected to draw hundreds of veterans from around the state.

LZ Michigan is scheduled for September 23, 2017, at Fifth Third BallPark in Grand Rapids. The event will honor all veterans, including those who were killed or declared missing in action. 

“It is important and necessary to remember, honor and celebrate our community’s veterans and their families," said Michael T. Walenta, WGVU Public Media general manager. "Since the success and tremendous turnout at the first LZ Michigan in 2010, I have been continually asked when we were going to host another program. We are privileged to once again bring this event to West Michigan.” 

Walenta announced new partnerships with ArtPrize and the Human Hug Project, a national movement out of Nashville that is raising awareness of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Todd Herring, director of communications for ArtPrize, said a veterans art competition will be held during the week leading up to LZ Michigan 2017, along with a preview screening of the film, "The Vietnam War," by Ken Burns and Lynn Novick.

Ian Michael, co-founder of the Human Hug Project and a Marine Corps veteran, said volunteers with the group have hugged more than 20,000 veterans as they travel to VA hospitals across the country. "We offer a hug, a warm embrace, to remind veterans they are heroes," said Michael. "We hope a hug can help unlock their stories because we need to celebrate their stories." 

The day-long September 23 program will include speakers, musical entertainment, military displays, historical artifacts and the WGVU Real Oldies Car and Motorcycle Show. 

WGVU Public Media, ArtPrize, and West Michigan Whitecaps are honored to be joined by several strategic partners for LZ Michigan 2017, including Grand Valley State University, Talons Out Honor Flight, Battle Creek VA Medical Center, Fleet Reserve Association, PBS, PBS Stories of Service, NPR, Human Hug Project, Revolution Pictures, Uniform Color Company, WGVU Engage, Spectrum Health and the Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival.