Memorial Day
Friday, May 27, 2011
By Sen. Joe Hune
22nd Senate District
Recently I had the opportunity to participate in the Michigan Senate’s 17th Annual Memorial Day Service on Thursday, May 26 to honor the lives of Michigan’s fallen soldiers.
It was truly a privilege to take part in this solemn ceremony that remembers the brave men and women in uniform who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedom. Throughout the service my colleagues and I honored soldiers who died in the past 12 months. We also recognized families who have lost loved ones.
Originally called “Decoration Day,” Memorial Day is set aside as a time for us to remember and reflect on the sacrifice of those who gave their lives in defense of our nation.
Shortly after the Civil War, our nation began commemorating Memorial Day as a holiday by decorating the graves of the war dead. Despite being observed annually, Memorial Day did not become an official federal holiday until 1971.
This year, rather than just spending time with friends and family and unofficially welcoming summer with a barbecue, I urge you to celebrate Memorial Day the way it was intended, by remembering those who died for our country.
You can honor the spirit of Memorial Day in a variety of ways:
- Proudly fly the American flag at half-staff until noon;
- Visit a cemetery or memorial;
- Attend a parade or event being held to commemorate the holiday;
- Honor the “National Moment of Remembrance” at 3 p.m. by pausing for a moment in silence, or listening to Taps; or
- Thank a veteran for their service.
However you choose to spend your Memorial Day, I hope you observe the true meaning of this important holiday.
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Sen. Joe Hune represents the 22nd state Senate District, which includes Livingston and Shiawassee counties, and the southern part of Ingham County. The Ingham County portion includes Bunkerhill, Leslie, Stockbridge and Vevay townships, and the cities of Leslie and Mason.
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