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May 24, 2024
Attendees of the May 23, 2024, Michigan State University Memorial Grove Rededication Ceremony pose in front of newly renovated Memorial Grove.
EAST LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA), Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) and Michigan State University (MSU) rededicated the Memorial Grove of the Great War, to honor the 33 students and alumni who gave their lives in service to their country in World War I. The grove of 33 oak trees, located just west of Williams Hall on MSU's campus, was originally dedicated on June 19, 1919, with an engraved brass plaque.
To ensure the lives and memories of these men live on, MSU preserved the Memorial Grove site with updated landscaping, a dedicated patio and flag pole to allow students, alumni and all Michigan residents have a peaceful place to honor the legacy of those who died fighting for our freedoms. The rededication ceremony also included the 126th Army Band; colors presented by the First Battalion, 125th Infantry Regiment; invocation from Chaplin Gabriel Marquez; and remarks from Brigadier General Jefferey Terrill of the Michigan National Guard. Descendants of Private William Bryan Lutz, who is listed on the Memorial Grove plaque, attended the ceremony as well.
During the ceremony, MVAA Director Brian L. Love recognized Dr. Chris Petras of Spring Lake, for his research into the service records of WWI servicemen which led to 20 posthumously awarded Purple Heart medals from the U.S. Department of Defense since 2019. Dr. Petras was honored with a Certificate of Appreciation from MVAA, a Distinguished Service Medal and Certificate from DMVA, and a Minute Man statue from the Michigan Army National Guard.
Brigadier General Jeffery Terrill speaks at the Michigan State University Memorial Grove Rededication Ceremony.
Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency Director Brian L. Love pins Distinguished Service Medal on Dr. Chris Petras for his advocacy for World War I veterans.
Minute Man statue from the Michigan Army National Guard sits at the feet of Dr. Chris Petras at the Michigan State University Memorial Grove Rededication Ceremony.
LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA) is hosting the Veterans Day Recognition Ceremony Tuesday, Nov. 12, from 9:30-11 a.m., at Heritage Hall in downtown Lansing.
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Less than 100 tickets remain available for the 2024 Michigan Military & Veterans Gala, Saturday, Nov. 2, at the L.V. Eberhard Center in Grand Rapids. The Gala is the state's premier event that honors both those who have served our state and nation in uniform and those who advocate on their behalf.
LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA) has received a letter and Certificate of Appreciation from the Director the United States Army, Major General Edward J. Chrystal Jr., recognizing the agency for faithfully representing our Nation by selflessly hosting events to thank and honor Vietnam-era veterans and their families.