Cincinnati, OH – Memorial Hall proudly continues its century-long mission of honoring Cincinnati veterans with a full day of patriotic programming. Theatre, visual arts, symphonic music and history coalesce in an evocative celebration of our armed services.
Memorial Hall’s (1225 Elm Street, Over-The-Rhine) 2019 Veterans Salute will take place on Sunday, November 10 from 11:00am to 5:00pm. The full schedule of events is as follows:
- 11am–4:30pm – Veterans Creative Therapy Art Exhibition + Military Dress Display
- 11:30am–12:15pm – Lecture: 75th Anniversary of The Battle of the Bulge
- 1-2pm – Performance: The Accidental Hero
- 3:30–4:30pm – Performance: Queen City Concert Band Veterans Salute
The Veterans Creative Therapy Art Exhibition and Military Dress Display will also be available for viewing on Veterans Day, Monday, November 11, from 9:00am – 3:00pm
All programs are free of charge, though reservations are required. Free tickets can be reserved at MemorialHallOTR.com, or by calling the Memorial Hall Box Office at 513.977.8838 (Tu – Fr, 1pm – 6pm).
The 2019 Veterans Salute is co-presented by the Cincinnati Memorial Hall Society, in collaboration with the Cincinnati VA Medical Center, Queen City Concert Band, and Lytle Camp 10, Department of Ohio, Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTIONS
Veterans Creative Therapy Art Exhibition + Military Dress Display – 11am – 4:30pm
Celebrate Veterans Day by viewing an exhibition of artwork created by local veterans in the Memorial Hall Ballrooms. Featured artwork will include pieces created by veterans who have participated in the Creative Arts Therapy program at the Cincinnati VA Medical Center (VAMC). Mediums included in past veteran shows have included painting, drawing, sculpture and photography; applied art that includes ceramics, woodcarving, needlework and leatherwork; and craft kits such as string art, fabric art and wood building. This exhibition is part of a veteran’s therapy and provides recognition for their artistic accomplishments.
The exhibition is complemented by a military dress display, featuring uniforms and artifacts from American Wars.
Lecture: 75th Anniversary of The Battle of the Bulge – 11:30am–12:15pm
Presented by Lytle Camp 10, Department of Ohio, Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War
James L. Centner, Jr., is a Cincinnati Native, Retired United States Naval Officer, former Assistant Professor of History at The United States Military Academy at West Point New York, and current visiting professor at the John Felice Rome Center, Loyola University Chicago. His main area of expertise is World War Two American Military Operations. He has a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from Marquette University, and a Master’s Degree in History from Xavier University.
Commander Centner’s presentation is on the great sacrifices and hard-fought actions of the American soldier surrounding the 1944 Battle of the Bulge. Additionally we will have two guest of honor in attendance, that were actually Combat Veterans of the Battle.
The Accidental Hero – 1- 2pm
The Accidental Hero is a multi-media one-man show about a WWII American officer who miraculously liberates the Czech villages of his grandparents. It’s a true story, written and performed by his grandson.
Patrick Dewane’s grandfather refused to talk about his service in the war. Yet when he died, his basement yielded a treasure trove of typewritten accounts, photos and rare film footage.
Dewane brings this archival material to glowing life as an enthralling, humorous and heartwarming tale of miraculous escapes and astonishing coincidences. This touching show runs from belly laughs to tears. Dewane takes on a dozen different roles as he powerfully recounts his grandfather’s journey from Omaha Beach, the Battle of the Bulge, and the end of WWII. In the last week of the war, Konop’s story turns away from a soldier’s survival tale to something from mythology. He discovers his lost identity, embraced by the tribe he never knew. Like Luke Skywalker, Konop thought he was just fighting the Evil Empire, in this case the Nazis. But unlike Skywalker, this story is true. His was an epic homecoming. As he freed the Czechs, they liberated him.
Queen City Concert Band Veterans Salute – 3:30–4:30pm
Memorial Hall’s longtime resident wind symphony, the Queen City Concert Band (QCCB) is proud to return home for its tenth annual Veterans Salute. As always, a Military Honor Guard will be on hand representing all branches of the United States military. The QCCB will offer a variety of patriotic selections with themes reflecting the service and sacrifice of our men and women in uniform during America’s significant domestic and foreign wars. This year marks the 75th anniversary of D-Day, which will be commemorated with popular musical highlights from World War II. Veterans (and family members) are encouraged to attend this fitting tribute. A cookie and punch reception will follow.
ABOUT MEMORIAL HALL
Memorial Hall, managed and programmed by 3CDC, is conveniently located in the heart of the revitalized arts district of Over-the-Rhine. This exquisite venue overlooks Washington Park, and is adjacent to Music Hall in addition to being down the street from both the School for Creative and Performing Arts and soon-to-be completed new home of the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company. Designed by Samuel Hannaford, the hall features marble staircases adorned with intricate wrought iron that lead to the 550-seat proscenium theater, dubbed the Annie W. and Elizabeth M. Anderson Theater. Exceptional acoustics, decorative murals and Tiffany chandeliers enhance this historic theater. Memorial Hall offers an elegant setting for performances and unique spaces for social and business events.
ABOUT THE MEMORIAL HALL SOCIETY
Established in 2004, the Cincinnati Memorial Hall Society (CMHS) is a trustee-led, non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the history and enhancing Memorial Hall as a place for culture, arts and community. In 2012, CMHS led the revitalization of Memorial Hall, resulting in its comprehensive renovation completed in 2016 by the Cincinnati Center City Development Corporation (3CDC), CMHS and Hamilton County. CMHS provides community input for the operation and programming of Memorial Hall; coordinates the “Friends of Memorial Hall” group; and provides high-quality entertainment for a diverse audience through its annual, multi-genre, contemporary music series, “The Longworth-Anderson Series.”
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