Michigan Senate Recesses for 30th Annual Memorial Day Ceremony; Suspends Floor Rules for Guests and Photography

The Michigan Senate recessed on a unanimous, no-objection motion to hold its 30th annual Memorial Day ceremony, during which senators excused absent members and suspended two chamber rules to allow guests on the floor and photography.

The ceremony — which the Senate said has been held annually since 1995 — opened with an invocation and the posting of colors, a performance of the national anthem and the playing of Taps, and a keynote address by Major Bob Taylor, a former U.S. Air Force officer and CEO of the Alliant family of companies in Grand Rapids. “We stand on their shoulders,” Taylor told those gathered, echoing the event’s theme of remembrance.

The procedural actions were taken at the start and close of the day’s proceedings. The secretary announced that 31 senators were present, establishing a quorum. Minority Floor Leader Senator Lowers moved to excuse Senators McBroom, Altman, Hoytinger and Runstead (or Bumstead, as stated on the record); the motion was granted “without objection.” Majority Floor Leader Senator Singh moved to excuse Senators Geiss and Voigt; that motion also was granted without objection. Senator Singh additionally moved to suspend Senate Rule 3.902 to allow guests of senators on the floor, and to suspend Senate Rule 3.901 to permit photography on the floor; both suspensions were adopted without objection.

After the ceremonial program — which included remarks recognizing Gold Star families and members of the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs — Senator Singh moved to adjourn. The Senate adjourned and was scheduled to reconvene Thursday, May 29, at 10 a.m., per the motion recorded on the floor.

These actions were procedural and taken by unanimous consent; no roll-call votes were recorded on the suspensions or excusals. The ceremony featured multiple members and guests but produced no policy votes or committee actions.