Les Braves II: At Water’s Edge Dedication Ceremony.

On May 25th, 2023, Ron and Mary Lamparter took part in a dedication ceremony at the Grosse Pointe War Memorial to install Les Braves II: At Water’s Edge.  The 50-foot-wide and 25-foot-tall sculpture is the official twin of the original Les Braves in Normandy, France on Omaha Beach.  The original Les Braves was created for the 60th anniversary of the D-Day invasion and sculpted by French artist Anilore Banon.

This is an Institutional symbol of contemporary patriotism and is the first of its kind in the U.S., standing proud as a lasting tribute to the western Allies that partook in the D-day operation on June 6, 1944 during World War II.

There are three sections to this impressive sculpture that sits on the edge of Lake St. Clair.
  • 1

    The Wings of Hope – So that the spirit which carried these men in 1944 continues to inspire us.

  • 2

    Rise, Freedom! – So that the example of those who rose against barbarity, helps us remain standing strong against all forms of inhumanity.

  • 3

    The Wings of Fraternity – So that this surge of brotherhood always reminds us of our responsibility towards others as well as ourselves.