Upcoming Events
Join us in celebrating our state's veterans and astronauts in all that we do. Whether raising funds or having fun, we do so with our Mission in mind - Honor, Respect, Remember.
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Bronner Performing Arts Center
Frankenmuth, Michigan
Tuesday, May 13, 2025
An Evening with Captain Phillips
Come hear the tale of his rescue from Somali Pirates
Captain Richard Phillips became the center of an extraordinary international drama when he was captured by Somali pirates who hijacked his ship, the first hijacking of a U.S. ship in more than 200 years. Amid the standoff, he offered himself as a hostage.
Captain Phillips — an American Merchant Mariner, author, and public speaker — is an example of courage, endurance, leadership and heroism. On April 5, 2009, Captain Phillips of the U.S.-flagged Maersk Alabama was held hostage after his ship was attacked and boarded by pirates in the Indian Ocean off the Horn of Africa. The ship was carrying U.S. food aid headed to Somali refugees in Kenya. On April 12, 2009, U.S. Navy SEALs on the USS Bainbridge opened fire against the Somali pirates in the Maersk Alabama lifeboat and rescued Phillips.
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Despite knowing the harm and price he might pay, Phillips offered himself as a hostage to ensure that the other 18 merchant mariners aboard Maersk Alabama reached safety. After surviving the pirate attack, Phillips continued to serve our country as master of the vehicles carrier M/V Green Bay. Phillips retired in October 2014, as announced by the International Organization of Masters, Mates and Pilots.
Merchant mariners, as said by Gen. MacArthur, “have brought us our lifeblood and paid for it with some of their own.”
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“Seamen were there at the start of our country, and we will be there in the thick of things whenever we are needed,” says Phillips. Even in the hardest of times, Phillips embodied the creed “Deeds, Not Words.” Phillips “is a model for all Americans,” says President Barack Obama.
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Phillips published A Captain’s Duty: Somali Pirates, Navy SEALS, and Dangerous Days at Sea to recount his experience as a hostage. His book then became a film, Captain Phillips, released in October 2013 with a premiere at the New York Film Festival.
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Recognized as a national hero, Phillips now gives inspiring speeches on stepping up, finding courage within yourself, and putting your community first. Michigan Heroes Museum is proud to welcome Captain Phillips this Spring. Don't miss you chance to see him speak live in Frankenmuth, Michigan on Tuesday May 13th, at Bronner Performing Arts Center.
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Fortress Golf Course
Frankenmuth, MI
Wednesday, June 18, 2025
Wurst Open
Register your team today!
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TEAMS
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​4 Players - $1,000.00
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Michigan Heroes Museum's "Wurst Open, Frank Beckmann Memorial, Golf Classic" will be a fun day for you and benefit a Michigan must-see destination: the Michigan Heroes Museum. Your day will start with registration, coffee and pastries, and an open driving range between 7:30 AM and 8:15 AM. It will then be your scramble-style golf tournament, beginning with a shotgun start at 9:00 AM.
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Our Ops specialists are continuing to plan our 2025 Wurst Open Golf ​Operations. Stay tuned here for more. Better yet, since you are already here, sign up today.
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Wurst Open Golf Outing for Charity is Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at The Fortress Golf Course Frankenmuth, Michigan
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Format: 18 Hole 4 Person Scramble
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Schedule of Events:
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7:30 am - 8:15 am - Driving Range Open
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7:30 am - 8:15 am - Check-in Open and Refreshments​
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8:30 am - Opening Ceremony
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9:00 am - Shotgun Start
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Lunch on the Turn - Between Holes 9 &10 - Longest Putt Contest on the practice green - Sponsorship Opportunities Available​
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3:00 pm Dinner and Awards​
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MARK YOUR CALENDAR!
Grand Rapids, Michigan
September 1 - September 7, 2025
Join us in Grand Rapids, Michigan, as we commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II with a heartfelt tribute to the countries Greatest Generation.
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This extraordinary event honors the millions of American and Allied forces, patriots, and citizens who made immense sacrifices to ensure a world free of tyranny.
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Experience this tribute through a vibrant parade, a captivating film festival, breathtaking military flyover, inspiring speaking engagements, events with prominent dignitaries, and much more.
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This celebration is proudly organized by the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation, the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library & Museum, the Michigan Heroes Museum, the Hauenstein Center at Grand Valley State University, and the City of Grand Rapids. It is thoughtfully coordinated by a collaboration of dedicated community anchors whose passion and commitment ensure this event brings history, gratitude, and remembrance to life.
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Honor Your Loved One with a Commemorative Board - visit the Gerald R. Ford Foundation.
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​​Stay tuned for more details!
Food Vendor Trailer
Frankenmuth, MI
September, 5-7, 2025
Frankenmuth Auto Fest
Plan to Visit the Autofest
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The Frankenmuth Auto Fest is the largest Car Show in Michigan.
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Frankenmuth Auto Fest is a 501(c)4.
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Frankenmuth Auto Fest is the largest fundraiser for the Michigan Heroes Museum, the Frankenmuth Rotary Club, the Frankenmuth Lion’s Club, the Frankenmuth American Legion, and the Frankenmuth VFW.
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We have raised over $1.8 million in the last 12 years.
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The Michigan Heroes Museum needs 60 volunteers to run our trailer. If you are interested in helping the museum, please call us at (989)652-8005 and let us know.