DECEMBER 5 • 2024 | 13 J N played an intricate role in the memorial’s Phase I grand opening in August 2023. Brad Ziegler, a local photographer, has donated his professional services for many years to causes benefiting our service men and women, including this year’s “Salute to Service. ” He was charged with helping to find veterans for the Lions game event. “My efforts are dedicated to my grandfather who fought in WWII, ” Ziegler said. “It’s important for younger generations to be involved. ” Ziegler reached out to his friend Debi Hollis, past president and current board member of the memo- rial, for a recommendation. Without a moment’s hesitation, Hollis referred Ziegler to Fishman. A DEDICATED VETERAN “It was a true memory of a lifetime” is how Art Fishman, senior vice commander emeritus of the JWV Department of Michigan, described his experi- ence at the Lions game on Nov. 17, adding: “Do you know anybody who could say no to this invitation?” Fishman has dedicated his life after serving during WWII to the welfare of his fellow service men and women. “My main duty is to honor our past heroes, ” he said. To that end, Art continues to this day to be the organizer of the appearances the JWV Department of Michigan Color Guard make at local funerals. For all his efforts, Art was named “Michigan Veteran of the Year” in 2022 by the Commanders Group of Michigan. Today he remains an active board member of Metropolitan Detroit’s Veterans Coalition, helping to organize the annual Detroit’s Veterans Day Parade. He was the event’s Grand Marshal in 2022. I’ve had the privilege of sharing Art’s story for many years in the JN. He’ll be 98 in February and continues to outdo himself. Fishman was joined in the end zone prior to kickoff at Ford Field by three other Michigan WWII veterans — Bill Rosnyai, Al Roland and Joe Sypniewski. Rosnyai turned 100 years old on Nov. 25. The veterans, each wearing a Lions game jersey courtesy of the club, received the red-carpet treatment on the green artificial turf. A rousing round of applause by the sold-out stadium crowd greeted them as they were introduced. Fishman looked up at the scoreboard and couldn’t believe his eyes, his face filling the jumbo screen for all to see. “You don’t think something like this will ever happen to you, ” said Fishman. “I tried to absorb every moment. A real highlight of my life. ” Speaking of which, the highlight of the day came when each veteran was given a warm, personal greeting on the field from owner Sheila Ford Hamp. “She’s quite a lady, ” Fishman said. “Coach Campbell, the Detroit Lions and the Ford family made us feel like we were part of the Lions family. I can’t begin to thank them enough for the honor. ” The video of Dan Campbell greeting the veterans went viral. As the coach approached Fishman, Art stood up to shake his hand to which Campbell said: “You don’t need to stand up for me. ” Art stood up nonetheless, laughing as he said to Campbell, “I just wanted to see how tall you were. ” With that the coach stood up straight and gave Fishman a hearty handshake. (Video link: facebook.com/ reel/1914352729047844) You might say the attention Fishman received went into overtime. He was interviewed on Fox 2 Detroit’s pregame show, and he spent 15 minutes talking with Bob Woodruff. “I’ll think of you for one of our programs in the future, ” Woodruff said. To which Art replied, “I’ll drop everything I’m doing and be right there!” The veterans spent the entirety of the game watching from a beautiful hospitality suite filled with refreshments. And what a game it was. The Lions 52-6 victory over Jacksonville improved their record to 9-1 at the time, the best start by the franchise since 1934. I say it’s only fitting that some of our Greatest Generation got to witness what is perhaps our greatest Lions team. For more information, visit bobwoodrufffoundation.org; nfl.com/ causes/salute; or michiganww2memorial.org. Art shares a hug with Detroit Lions owner Sheila Ford Hamp as other WWII veterans enjoy pregame festivities. Art spent 15 minutes talking to Bob Woodruff on the FOX 2 set. 97.1 The Ticket radio play-by- play announcer Dan Miller and Fox 2 sports reporter Jennifer Hammond are in the background. BRAD ZIEGLER Art Fishman’s appearance on the stadium scoreboard got a rousing cheer from the sold-out crowd.