RECOGNIZING MEMORIAL DAY
WHEREAS, Memorial Day was first officially proclaimed on May 5, 1868 by General John A. Logan, Commander-in-Chief of the Grand Army of the Republic, in General Order No. 11, and was first observed on May 30, 1868, when flowers were placed on the graves of soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery;
WHEREAS, in proclaiming Memorial Day General Logan wrote, “Let no vandalism of avarice or neglect, no ravages of time testify to the present or to the coming generations that we have forgotten as a people the cost of a free and undivided republic”;
WHEREAS, on Memorial Day we recognize individuals who have died in service to the United States of America, making the ultimate sacrifice to defend the freedoms our Nation holds so dear;
WHEREAS, under Section 6103 of Title 5 of the United States Code, 5 USC 6103, and Section 1 of 1865 PA 124, MCL 435.101, the last Monday in May is set aside as a legal public holiday in observance of Memorial Day;
WHEREAS, under Section 7 of Chapter 1 of Title 4 of the United States Code, 4 USC 7, on Memorial Day the flag of the United States is to be displayed at half-staff until noon only, then raised to the top of the staff;
WHEREAS, it is appropriate that the flag of the United States of America be flown at half-staff throughout the State of Michigan on Memorial Day morning as a mark of respect for the memory, and in honor of the service, of those killed defending our priceless freedom, peace and security;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Jennifer M. Granholm, Governor of the State of Michigan, by virtue of the power and authority vested in me by the Michigan Constitution of 1963, the laws of the State of Michigan, and the laws of the United States of America, direct and proclaim:
A. On Memorial Day, Monday, May 31, 2004, until 12:00 noon that day, the flag of the United States of America shall be flown at half-staff throughout the State of Michigan and at half-mast on Michigan waters, including at or on all state buildings and facilities.
B. When flown at half-staff or half-mast on Memorial Day, the flag of the United States should be first hoisted to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff or half-mast position, where it should be flown until noon only, then raised to the top of the staff.
This order is effective upon filing.
Given under my hand and the Great Seal of the State of Michigan this 27th day of May, in the year of our Lord, two thousand and four.
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JENNIFER M. GRANHOLM
GOVERNOR
BY THE GOVERNOR:
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SECRETARY OF STATE
