Whereas, Since the beginning of our Nation’s history, America’s brave men and women have willingly sacrificed their lives in defense of freedom to preserve our liberty at home and on foreign shores; and,

Whereas, In 1971, the United States Congress established the national observance of Memorial Day as the last Monday in May of each year to honor the men and women who have fought and died in all of America’s wars; and,

Whereas, Memorial Day takes on a special significance in years like this one when we Americans are actively reminded on a daily basis of the dangers, sacrifices and nobility of military service; and,

Whereas, Thousands of Michigan men and women are currently serving their country as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom; and,

Whereas, Hundreds of Americans have died in service in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.  The list of service men and women who have died in service to their country includes more than 20 Michiganians; and,

Whereas, On this Memorial Day in 2004 we pause to honor the memory of the brave men and women who served their country so valiantly with dignity, and with honor, and who paid the ultimate sacrifice in these current conflicts and in conflicts and wars across our history; and,

Whereas, Memorial Day is an occasion of special importance for all Americans, because it provides each of us the opportunity to honor our loved ones and friends who made the supreme sacrifice for the liberties we enjoy. It is also imperative that we remember those men and women who are currently in harm’s way protecting our freedom world wide; and now therefore be it,

Resolved, That I, Jennifer M. Granholm, Governor of the State of Michigan, do hereby proclaim May 30, 2004, as Memorial Day in Michigan and urge all residents to pause on this special day of remembrance to recognize and honor those Americans who have lost their lives while serving our Nation in American wars. I encourage all Michiganians to take part in ceremonies, parades, and other activities in a tribute to those who have given so nobly to their state and country.  Under Executive Order 2004-30, United States flags throughout the State of Michigan and on Michigan waters will be flown at half staff or half mast until noon on Memorial Day to honor the memory of those who have given so much to preserve our precious freedom.

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Jennifer M. Granholm
Governor