“Forward with healing” is focus of MAFW 2021

MILWAUKEE – Milwaukee Armed Forces Week (MAFW), one of the largest U.S. community celebrations of the military each May, announces that events slated for May 10 – 15, 2021, will be in person or virtual, with some activities cancelled or postponed until the fall.
 
“This year, as we continue to work our way through the pandemic, we look ahead following a time of incredible challenges and despair,” says Tom Plantenberg, president of Milwaukee Armed Services Committee (MASC). “Restrictions remain in place for several of our indoor and outdoor events, the use of military equipment and the involvement of military personnel, so the consensus is that we alter our activities this year.”
 
As of now, the following MAFW events are as planned:

• Rotary Club of Milwaukee, North Shore Luncheon – Monday, May 10, 2021 Speaker: TBD
• Milwaukee Rotary Club Luncheon – Tuesday, May 11, 2021 Speaker: Colonel (Ret.,) Christopher Kolenda, U.S. Army and founder of Kolenda Strategic Leaders Academy

• Milwaukee Kiwanis Club Luncheon – Wednesday, May 12, 2021 Speaker:

Lt.  Colonel Tim Guy, Commander - Logistics Readiness Squadron,128th Air Refueling Wing

• Lance Sijan Award Ceremony and Luncheon – Thursday, May 13, 2021
• Armed Forces Week Golf Tournament – Friday, May 14, 2021, Muskego Lakes Country Club
• “Support the Troops Ride” and Memorial Ceremony – Saturday, May 15, 2021
• Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) “Breakfast with the Boss” Monday, September 1, 2021 Speaker: DJuan Wilcher, U.S. Navy Reserve and Senior V-P of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Associated Bank
• Civic Dinner Dance – Postponed until Fall 2021
• Wisconsin Club Dinner – Cancelled until May 2022
• Military Display at Harley-Davidson Museum – Cancelled until May 2022

 
The 2021 theme for Milwaukee Armed Forces Week reflects on moving “Forward with Healing.” The image of a lotus flower on this year’s coin illustrates the refusal to accept defeat. It represents the ability to come from a place of darkness and suffering on through to a place of light. Just as a lotus blossom emerges from muddy waters and unfolds in breathtaking beauty, people can rise up from adversity with universal accord.
 
“As a society, we are fractured,” adds Plantenberg. “There’s a deep longing to rescue and renew all persons through healing – both mentally and physically – and restore the dignity and respect necessary to bring everyone together.”
 
More details on Milwaukee Armed Forces Week events will be confirmed in the coming weeks. Look for updates on our website, www.milwaukeearmedforcesweek.org and on our Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn pages.

                                                                                     
About Milwaukee Armed Forces Week
The 2021 Milwaukee Armed Forces Week, scheduled for Monday, May 10 - Saturday, May 15, is a joint effort of the Milwaukee Armed Services Committee, comprised of members of the United States Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard and National Guard, as well as Milwaukee-area citizens and veterans. Its mission is to increase public understanding of the role of the military in a democratic society as well as honor and acknowledge the Milwaukee area people serving in the Armed Forces of the United States.
For more information, please visit www.milwaukeearmedforcesweek.org  and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. 

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