May 27, 2004
May 27, 2004
LANSING – Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today issued a proclamation officially recognizing Monday, May 31, 2004, as Memorial Day in Michigan. She also signed Executive Order 2004-30, directing the U.S. flag be flown at half-staff throughout the State of Michigan, and at half-mast on Michigan waters, on Memorial Day out of respect to those who have given their lives in service to our country.
"In these days when we again see daily images of our military men and women serving our country in dangerous conflicts around the world, Memorial Day takes on particularly important significance," Granholm said today. "This Memorial Day – and every Memorial Day – let us recognize the men and women who have died in service to the United States of America defending our priceless freedom, peace, and security."
Earlier today, Granholm held a private meeting with several of the families of Michigan soldiers who lost their lives in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. The Governor extended a personal invitation to the families in recognition of the enormous sacrifices they have made this past year. The meeting included a prayer led by Ray Moore, State Chaplain for the Michigan National Guard.
Granholm also noted that as the new national memorial to World War II veterans is dedicated in Washington, D.C., this Memorial Day is an especially opportune time to remember the soldiers who gave their lives defending our country during the Second World War.
Granholm directed flags flown at half-staff and half-mast under Section 7 of Chapter 1 of Title 4 of the United States Code, which states that on Memorial Day, the flag of the United States is to be displayed at half-staff by hoisting the flag to the peak for an instant and then lowering the flag to half-staff until noon only, when the flag should be raised to the top of the staff. Flags may be lowered beginning at 12:01 a.m. on Monday, May 31, if the flag will be illuminated during the nighttime hours. In the alternative, flags should be flown at half-staff from sunup until noon.
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.
"I urge all Michigan 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 by taking part in ceremonies, parades, and other activities in a tribute to those who have given so nobly to their state and country," Granholm said.
In keeping with her proclamation, Granholm will observe Memorial Day by participating in Memorial Day events in Dearborn and Burton on Monday.
