Memorial ceremony to honor fallen veterans

A crowd of several thousand veterans, families, friends and the general public are expected to attend a Memorial Day Ceremony honoring deceased veterans interred at the Great Lakes National Cemetery.

The Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly will host the 11th annual observance, set for 1 p.m. Sunday, May 29. Brigadier General David G. Bassett, U.S. Army, Program Executive Officer Ground Combat Systems will be the keynote speaker.

There will be patriotic music by Men of Grace. The VFW State Honor Guard will present the colors and perform a rifle salute during the ceremony. Taps will also be played.

The Great Lakes National Cemetery is one of two such National Shrines in Michigan. Opened for burials in 2005, the cemetery’s 544 acres will be the final resting place for an estimated 244,000 veterans and their dependents. Thus far, approximately 29,000 veterans and dependents have been interred at the site.

The May 29th ceremony is one of a multitude across the area and the nation. The Memorial Day Ceremony is a great opportunity to honor our deceased veterans, many of whom gave their lives to secure our freedom.

The Great Lakes National Cemetery is located at 4200 Belford Rd. in Holly. Anyone with questions questions about this ceremony may contact GarthWootten, Great Lakes National Cemetery Advisory Council president, at wootteng@oakgov.com or 248-858-0785.