This year marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.

In commemoration of this milestone and as a continuation of Memorial Day ceremonies, local celebrities and veterans will bring "A Veteran Salute in Song and Story" to the stage beginning June 3.

"We've done at least four of them, but that was way before COVID and we haven't done one since COVID," Director Lorna Hamilton said during rehearsal Thursday evening. "We get some really interesting people, some really interesting stories."

"A Veteran Salute" will be delivered in a variety show format.

"We'll have some gorgeous voices," she said. "We're going to sing a bunch of songs that people might know and they can sing along, and then I'm going to have some veterans come on stage and help us tell stories and then we honor them at the end."

In a written statement, Hamilton said this program is to honor veterans and active-duty members with a tribute to their service.

"My father was a soldier in the 442nd United States Army regiment who opened the gates at the Dachau Nazi camp in April of 1945," Hamilton wrote. "For him, this profound experience at the end of the war cemented his conviction of the privilege of being an American soldier and a citizen of the United States. We salute our soldiers and are presenting this program to acknowledge all of our military servicemen and their families."

Mark Haberman, who will play the piano for the show, said he values — especially as Memorial Day approaches — those who served selflessly and those who were willing to give the ultimate sacrifice.

"That takes something, and as one who is now getting older myself, I think older veterans are super worthy of our respect, the few WWII veterans that are left," he said.

Proceeds from the show will support Newby-ginnings of North Idaho, a Post Falls-based nonprofit dedicated to providing resources and support for veterans and military families in need. It was founded by Theresa Hart, a Gold Star mom whose son, Idaho National Guard SPC Nicholas Newby, was killed in Iraq on July 7, 2011.

Hamilton said veterans are close to her heart, and Hart is a truly lovely lady.

"We need to support them," she said. "They're trying to move into a new facility and we're doing everything we can to help her."

Hamilton said that when she asked Hart how she was funding the campaign, the idea for a performance became clear. She said to Hart, "You know what? I got a bunch of people who would love to do a show and help."

The production will include tap dancers, a children's choir, the Cancer and Community Charities Coeur d’Aleers singing group and about 10 veterans will speak.

"We're all local people and we feel like we need to support each other wherever we are in our lives," Hamilton said. "Everyone is doing this out of the goodness of their heart; no one is getting paid. We're just donating our time to use our talents to help them build. It's fun for us and beneficial for Newby-ginnings."

"A Veteran Salute in Song and Story," presented by Love Joy Harmony Inc. and sponsored by Todd Halterman and Active4Life, will be on the Lake City Playhouse stage at 6:30 p.m. June 3 to 6 and 2 p.m. June 7 to 8. Tickets are $15 at the door. Veterans are invited to attend for free.

Lake City Playhouse is at 1320 E. Garden Ave., Coeur d'Alene.

    Vermont Trotter and his castmates gather 'round the piano Thursday evening to rehearse for "A Veteran Salute in Song and Story," which opens June 3 at Lake City Playhouse. Proceeds will support Newby-ginnings of North Idaho, a veteran resource nonprofit.