LANSING - With Memorial Day quickly approaching, now is the time to plan a weekend that honors those who have served. While Memorial Day events are optional, some observances, such as lowering the flag, are strongly encouraged.

“On Memorial Day, we remember the brave Michiganders who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving our country,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer.

“We owe our fallen men and women in uniform a debt that we can never repay. The success of our state and nation would not be possible without such selfless service. Today our state lowers the flags to honor the memory of Michigan’s fallen service members as we look to build a state worthy of their sacrifices.”

Governor Whitmer has directed all flags to remain lowered for Memorial Day, Monday, May 31, from sunrise until noon. Flags should be returned to full-staff at noon.

Don’t have a flag?

Flags over Meridian, a project by the Kiwanis Club of Haslett and Okemos, offers flags for $36 per flag, per year. The money raised by the project goes to other projects sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Haslett and Okemos, such as youth programs with a focus on high-risk youth.

Another way to remember those who have served is by attending the Memorial Day Service at the Glendale Cemetery.

The service takes place at 11:00 am on Monday, May 31, and includes musical tribute selections from the Meridian Community Band. local scouts and a special presentation will be held. A live stream of the event will also be available on the Meridian Township Facebook page.

At the same time, 11:00 am, an observance ceremony sponsored by the American Legion Post 269 in Haslett will be held at Ralya Elementary School. The American Legion is a nonprofit group committed to assisting veterans and their families for over 100 years.

While these ceremonies and observances take place, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services will not be updating the data on its website. This includes COVID-19 case information, vaccine administration updates and hospital data.

Data updates will resume on Tuesday, June 1, and will be broken down into daily averages for Sunday, May 30, Monday, May 31 and Tuesday, June 1.