Michigan Veteran Homes at Grand Rapids Volunteers to Plant 5K Flags in Cemetery to Honor Heroes

LANSING, Mich. - Michigan Veteran Homes at Grand Rapids (MVHGR) will receive assistance from local scout troops and community volunteers to plant more than 5,000 American flags at veterans' gravesites in the cemetery located at 2950 Monroe Avenue NE in Grand Rapids on May 20 at 6 p.m.

Prior to the ceremony, refreshments and hot dogs will be provided by the UPS Veteran Business Resource Group from 5:30 to 6 p.m. The event is open to the public, and members of the media are invited to attend and capture this annual tradition honoring the service and sacrifice of our nation's veterans.

WHO: MVHGR veteran members, staff, volunteers and community members
WHAT: Cemetery Flag Planting to honor veterans
WHEN: May 20 at 6 p.m.
WHERE: MVHGR at 2950 Monroe Ave. NE, Grand Rapids

The ceremony will feature a presentation of the colors by the Michigan Society of the Sons of the American Revolution Color Guard and Tom Bradley. Tyler Smith of Troop 345 (B) Cascade will lead the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by an invocation from Calvin Davis of Ship 3107 Muskegon. Denise Hoban will perform the National Anthem.

Remarks will be provided by MVHGR Administrator Carly MacDonald and Lieutenant Colonel Denny Gillem, U.S. Army (Ret.). Following the flag planting, the ceremony will conclude with a final salute, the playing of Taps by Rick Conklin of VFW Auxiliary Post 702, and a bagpipe rendition of "Amazing Grace."

Media should plan to arrive at the cemetery entrance no later than 5:45 p.m. for the ceremony, or earlier to capture footage of the pre-event cookout. Media are asked to RSVP to Michael Kroll at 517-285-9734 or [email protected].