Michigan Senate holds 30th annual Memorial Day ceremony to honor fallen service members

The Michigan Senate recessed its legislative business for its 30th annual Memorial Day ceremony, honoring service members who died while serving and recognizing Gold Star families and veterans. President announced a quorum of 31 senators present before the chamber moved into the ceremonial program.

The ceremony, which the chamber has held since 1995, brought together senators from both parties, military leaders and families of the fallen. "Memorial Day and our ceremony here in the senate transcend politics," the presiding officer said, calling on the chamber to remember those who "made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our nation's freedom and democracy." The session suspended rules to allow guests on the floor and permitted photography for the event.

Chaplain Gabriel Marquez of the Michigan National Guard opened the ceremony with an invocation and later returned to give the benediction. First Sergeant Andrew Swalier performed the national anthem and later played Taps as part of the service. Chamber leaders asked Gold Star family members to stand so the Senate could acknowledge their loss and sacrifice.

Major Bob Taylor, a former Air Force major and CEO of the Alliant family of companies, delivered the keynote address. Taylor framed the remarks around the theme "we stand on shoulders," and urged remembrance and care for veterans. He recited historical and contemporary figures, citing figures he said were recorded for Michigan and national service: that nearly 745,000 Michigan men served in the Union Army with 13,405 not returning, that Michigan contributed 1,538,000 men and women to combat with 33,015 who did not return, and that since 1980, 60,077 service members have died in service with 5,687 of those deaths resulting from hostilities. "We stand on their shoulders," Taylor said.

The chamber also recognized members of the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, including Major General Paul D. Rogers, Command Sergeant Major William Russell III, CW5 Allen Robinson, Brig. Gen. Ravi Wagg and Brig. Gen. Daniel Kramer II. Senators and representatives in attendance who formerly served in the U.S. military were asked to stand as a group for acknowledgment.

Following the ceremonial program, the Senate reconvened, and by unanimous consent stood at recess for the service earlier in the session and later adjourned until Thursday, May 29 at 10 a.m. The president closed the ceremony by thanking attendees and noting this was the thirtieth annual Senate Memorial Day observance.