May 24, 2006

Will Order Flags Flown at Half-Staff on Memorial Day

LANSING – In honor of Memorial Day, Governor Jennifer M. Granholm will meet with families of Michigan soldiers who have died since 2003 while on active duty in Iraq and Afghanistan.  This is the third year the Governor has hosted the memorial to honor Michigan’s fallen soldiers and their families.
 
“All of Michigan is humbled by the bravery and patriotism of our fallen soldiers,” Granholm said.  “It is because of their sacrifice and service that we continue to live in a country where freedom and liberty reign above all else.”
 
As part of the meeting, Granholm will present patriotic quilts made by the Keeping the Piece Quilt Guild of Sault Ste. Marie.  Throughout the year, the guild organizes work bees to make quilts for the families of Michigan’s fallen soldiers.

Governor Granholm will issue an executive order recognizing Memorial Day and ordering flags be flown at half-staff until noon on Monday, May 29, to honor those who have died in service to the United States, making the ultimate sacrifice to defend this nation’s freedom.
 
Granholm today signed legislation making it a felony to disrupt a funeral, memorial service, or a burial service in Michigan.  The legislation was prompted by recent protests at military funerals.

The bills, House Bill 5887 (Public Act 148), House Bill 5888 (Public Act 149), Senate Bill 1171 (Public Act 150), and Senate Bill 1229 (Public Act 151) make it a felony to purposefully engage in conduct that will disturb, disrupt, or adversely affect a funeral, memorial service, funeral procession, or burial.  A first offense would be punishable by imprisonment of not more than two years and/or a fine of not more than $5,000.  Senate Bill 1199 (Public Act 152) creates a new act to allow a local unit of government to pass ordinances necessary to protect and preserve the peace and respect toward those attending or conducting a funeral or memorial service.

“Families and friends of our fallen heroes deserve the utmost respect and privacy during their time of grief and reflection,” Granholm said.  “This legislation allows families in Michigan a respectful and peaceful environment to lay their loved ones to rest.”