MUSKEGON, Mich. -- The largest Patriotic Drone light show ever will take place in June at Heritage Landing in Muskegon to honor military veterans and active-duty military members.
It is part of a two-day Celebration of Service being led by U.S. Marines Corps veteran Jamal Steward. The inaugural event was held last year at Mulligan's Hollow Park in Grand Haven.
Steward told WOOD Radio in a phone interview that they are moving to a larger location this year to provide more space for enhanced STEM activities involving electric vehicles.
"Both from the technology - the coding and programming - as well as show the intricate light shows that can be displayed with the use of the technology," he explained.
During last year's event, some engineering, construction and other skilled trades were introduced as part of the STEM activities, with nearly 100 students participating in the two-day course.
Creative arts and music are being added to the STEM activities this year.
A resource fair for veterans once again will be part of this year's event. Last year, it was integrated into the Wounded Warrior Project. That program helps veterans with housing, employment, financial and other needs.
There will also be a peer-to-peer social networking opportunity.
On Friday, June 20, more than 200 electric vehicles on the ground will be synchronized to music and flash their lights along the lakeshore in Muskegon.
"The electric vehicles will synch to music. (They will) flash their lights and do a light display show while 500-plus drones - what we're calling the 'Drone Swarm' - will also be in sync. So, you're going to have both aerial and ground footage of a synchronized light show with sound and just amazing patterns that will really blow your mind and just give you kind of a 'wow' experience," Steward said.
That will be a world-record attempt based on the number of drones that will be synchronized with the number of electric vehicles involved. More than 1,100 electric vehicles were involved in a light show earlier this year in the United Kingdom, but it did not include drones.
There will be drone shows both Friday and Saturday evenings (June 20 and 21). This web link directs you to more information about the June 20 activities. And this web link has more information about the June 21 activities.
Steward noted it will highlight both innovation and patriotic themes.
"Giving the much deserved and high appreciation for our veterans and active military service members," he said.
More details about the Celebration of Service can be found via this weblink. Organizers are recruiting sponsors for the event. Steward will host a fundraiser at the Fowling Warehouse on the corner of 28th Street and Cascade Road in Grand Rapids. https://www.facebook.com/events/1071583764777000/
"Veterans, active military service members, as well as K-12 students get in free to this outstanding event. For those non-veteran adults, 18 and up, we will have a small charge of $5. Proceeds go back to the availability of getting resources, the drone show and all the technology to bring that forefront," Steward said.
There will be an opportunity for V.I.P access from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. that will give you your own area to bring family members to watch the live entertainment and the finale of the drone shows.
Steward served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1992 to 1996 in North Carolina with the Metals Group and did one tour on the USS Guam.
"It was a great experience for me in the military, and this is why I want to give back to the community. And also show that military is more than just simply weapons and other fashions, but more technology nowadays and also education."
Steward is a Holland native who later moved to Grand Haven and now lives in Fruitport.
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