The Medal of Honor Recipient Recognition ’56 Ford Thunderbird will be the Centerpiece of an Interactive Exhibit and Heroes Tribute Coming to the Dealership during the 2016 Holiday Season and Beyond
On Sunday, Aug. 14, at 1 p.m. the public is invited to witness the unveiling of a one-of-a-kind Medal of Honor Recipient Recognition 1956 Ford Thunderbird at Mike’s Famous Harley-Davidson. The Medal of Honor car is an artistic tribute to our country’s military heroes who have received the Medal of Honor, which is the highest award that can be bestowed on a member of the United States Armed Services.
Renowned artist Mickey Harris, who is recognized as a pioneer of free hand airbrushing and whose art works hang in the Pentagon, painted the car in 2012. On Sept.18, 2013, the Medal of Honor car traveled to the Congressional Medal of Honor Society Convention in Gettysburg, Pa., where 30 surviving Medal of Honor recipients signed it.
When dealership owner Mike Schwartz saw the car at the prestigious Barrett Jackson auction at Mohegan Sun this June, he was inspired to purchase it as a gift to the local military community.
“I knew the car belonged at home, in our area which has such a long, deep and rich military history,” said Schwartz. “The patriotism and realism that was created on the ‘56 T-Bird is impossible to describe. Those who see the car get emotional, from chills to tears of joy. This work of art is something we are proud to share with our customers and in tribute to our country,” Schwartz added.
The amazing artwork on the 1956 Ford Thunderbird
The Medal of Honor car will be the centerpiece of a new interactive Tribute Center at Mike’s Famous Harley-Davidson dealership and new destination. The venue is housed in the historic Coca-Cola® bottling plant that operated in New London from the 1930’s until its transformation to a Harley-Davidson® dealership like no other in 2014.
Blending the history of two iconic brands with the region’s storied military history, the Tribute Center will feature a collection of period pieces illustrating and interweaving the fight for freedom that has occurred over the last century, while highlighting Americans’ love for the road.
To help celebrate the unveiling of the Medal of Honor Car, Wounded Warriors Family Support Foundation (WWFS) will make a stop at Mike’s Famous Harley-Davidson on Sunday, Aug. 14, from 1 to 3 p.m. as part of their 7th annual High Five Tour 2016.
During the four-month tour, a 2016 Ford Shelby GT350 will travel more than 26,000 miles, criss-crossing the United States and visiting more than 100 cities in 48 states. The public is invited to sign the 2016 Ford Shelby with a message of support to our country’s veterans and their families. Through the High Five Tour 2016, the WWFS’s goal is to raise $1,000,000 to provide veteran programs to wounded veterans and their families.
Leading up to the Medal of Honor car unveiling, all branches of the U.S. military will be honored as part of Military Appreciation Weekend at Mike’s Famous Harley-Davidson which will include complimentary refreshments and entertainment on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 12 to 14, from 12 to 3 pm. The sneak peak of the 1956 Thunderbird will take place on Sunday at 1.30 p.m.
Representatives from each branch of the U.S. Military will be present, as well as the Three Rivers Young Marines unit located in Norwich, Conn. This will be a special one-time chance to see the Medal of Honor car as the Tribute Center is being prepared for a Holiday 2016 opening.
Mike’s Famous Harley-Davidson is located at 951 Bank Street in New London, CT right off of Interstate I-95 in New London CT. The dealership opened in March 2014 in 55,000 SF within the former Coca-Cola® bottling plant.
Mike’s Famous Harley-Davidson is one of the most decorated Harley-Davidson Dealerships in the nation. It recently received The Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut honored Mike’s Famous with its Military Community Support Award for its work throughout the community involving dozens of military-related activities.
