The following is a message from Gov. Granholm:
Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today encouraged the citizens of Michigan to remember the meaning and importance of Memorial Day by honoring those members of the armed forces from our state and across the country who have given their lives in defending democracy and freedom. In recognition of their selfless sacrifices, the governor has ordered United States flags lowered Monday until noon.
“Memorial Day brings the nation together to pay tribute to our noble fellow Americans in uniform who died so that we may live in a country where freedom and liberty reign,” Granholm said. “It is a tremendous privilege to salute these courageous heroes who gave so much to our state and nation.”
On Thursday, Granholm hosted an event at the governor’s residence for the families of Michigan service members who have died recently in the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts. This is the seventh year that the governor has hosted the event.
The governor urged all Michigan residents to pause on this day of remembrance to recognize and honor those who fought for and defended our right to freedom and to ensure that the purpose for which they fought will not be forgotten.
The governor directed flags flown at half-staff and half mast Monday, May 31, under Section 7 of Chapter 1 of Title 4 of the United States Code, which states that on Memorial Day, United States flags are 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 flags should be raised to the top of the staff.
