ArtsQuest to honor veterans through virtual Memorial Day celebrations

Even though we can’t celebrate it together, it doesn’t mean it won’t be just as meaningful.

ArtsQuest will mark Memorial Day weekend with a host of virtual celebration that will include a veterans writing workshop, a memorial ceremony and the return of the “Our Hometown Heroes” display May 24 to 25.

All of the virtual programming will be available at: steelstacks.org/memorial-day/.

Here are the highlights of the celebration:

* Already on display, more than 130 banners featuring photos of 1,300 Lehigh Valley residents who served in the military are presented on First and Second streets and Founders Way on the SteelStacks campus as part of “Our Hometown Heroes” -- the 10th year for the program. The community is encouraged to drive through the campus or walk by the banners following proper social distancing and state guidelines. For the first time, many of the banners are also being displayed online to allow those staying home to see them.

* The “Time to Remember” Memorial Ceremony will take place starting at 3 p.m.May 25, on the SteelStacks Facebook page this year. The ceremony will include the singing of the National Anthem and “God Bless America” by Lehigh Valley Music Awards winner Stacy Gabel, as well as a reading by the Lehigh Valley Gold Star Mothers of the names of Lehigh Valley residents who have lost their lives in service to our country.

Speakers include Kassie Hilgert, ArtsQuest president & CEO and Dave Lobach, president, CEO and Chairman of Embassy Bank.

* ArtsQuest will also screen a Memorial Day-themed PBS film on the ArtsQuest Memorial Day webpage during the day.

* From 1 to 3 p.m.May 24, Women Veterans Empowered and Thriving and ArtsQuest present the opportunity for veterans and family members to engage virtually in a free writing and storytelling workshop designed to explore grief, loss, anger and other emotions. The event is offered to those who have lost themselves or lost someone they loved and need a place to express what Memorial Day truly means. The workshop is free and open to all veterans.

Info: Jenny Pacanowski at troupe@wvet.org or register at womenveteransempowered.org/upcoming-events.

Morning Call features reporter Jennifer Sheehan can be reached at 610-820-6628 or jennifer.sheehan@mcall.com.

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