Flanagan Encourages Students to Send in Local Sand in Memory of Fallen Soldiers, and Participate in Michigan History Day 2014

August 27, 2013
LANSING - State Superintendent Mike Flanagan is encouraging Michigan students to play a part in a unique history lesson.

June 6, 2014 will mark the 70th anniversary of D-Day - when 73,000 American troops joined Allied forces in the largest amphibious invasion in world history, leading to a decisive Allied victory marking the beginning of the end of World War II in Europe. Resting at the American Cemetery in Normandy, France are 419 Michigan soldiers who died during that mission.

In a letter sent to high school students and teachers, Superintendent Flanagan said, "You have a very unique opportunity to honor these 419 Michigan soldiers."

In June 2014, the Stevensville Lakeshore High School Band has the honor and privilege to perform in Normandy for that 70th anniversary and their trip will include a commemorative performance and visit to the cemetery. While there, the band students will scatter sand from Michigan on the grave sites of those Michigan soldiers in remembrance of their sacrifice.

Michigan students are invited to send a sample of sand from their school area to be mixed with samples from high schools around the state.

"It will be like bringing our fallen World War II soldiers a little bit of home," said Flanagan.
The Lakeshore band students then will gather sand from Omaha Beach at Normandy and mail it to each of the participating schools to commemorate their participation in this historic event, according to Lakeshore High School Band Director Lori Van Koenig.

Flanagan also invited students to participate in the Michigan History Day competition for the best high school presentation related to Michigan and D-Day, organized by the Historical Society of Michigan. A special award will be presented by Brigadier General Michael J. Stone of the Michigan National Guard.

"This celebrates the glorious past of our great state through these unique educational programs," Flanagan said. "These students will be the last generation to have known military veterans from that era."

For more information about the Stevensville Lakeshore High School Band's historic mission and how you can help, visit www.ddaymichigan.com or contact Lori Von Koenig, Director of Bands, 269-428-4420, lvonkoenig@lakeshoreps.org

Additional pictures and video segment available at http://ddaymichigan.tumblr.com