Oct. 27, 2009

The Friends of Michigan History will honor veterans, including two local National Guardsmen who have returned from service in Iraq and Afghanistan, during a special tribute at the Michigan Historical Museum starting at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 8.

"This is a very special event to honor all veterans and an opportunity to hear first-hand tales of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan from two Lansing-area Michigan Army National Guardsmen," said Francis "Bus" Spaniola, president of the Friends of Michigan History. "We invite you to join us as we pay tribute to the men and women of our armed services."

Featured speakers from the Michigan Army National Guard, Delta Company Air Unit - located in Grand Ledge - will talk about their experiences overseas. Gunnery Specialist Matt Conn, a Purple Heart recipient, served three tours in Iraq and was wounded by an improvised explosive device. First Sergeant Mike Beck, who recently returned from Afghanistan, has a 27-year service record.

This annual event will open with a Massing of the Colors ceremony featuring military, veteran, scout, civic and other groups gathered to honor veterans of the nation's military conflicts. The tribute also will include a performance by the Jackson Northwest High School choir, Vocal Dimensions, and refreshments.

For more information, please call (517) 373-3559.

The Friends of Michigan History is the statewide membership group that supports the programs of the Michigan Historical Center. Learn more about its mission, membership benefits and more at www.michigan.gov/friendsofmichiganhistory.

The Michigan Historical Museum is located inside the Michigan Library and Historical Center, 702 West Kalamazoo St., two blocks west of the State Capitol in downtown Lansing. The main entrance and visitor parking are located north of Kalamazoo Street, just east of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. Admission and weekend parking are free.

The Michigan Historical Museum System is a division of the Michigan Historical Center, part of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.