Memorial Day ceremony in-person or virtual

Birmingham residents now have the option to attend the city of Birmingham's Memorial Day ceremony in person at Shain Park, or enjoy it virtually via Facebook Live on Monday, May 31, at 10 a.m.

Due to the easing of COVID-19 restrictions, changes were made to provide options for residents.

Social distancing will be maintained for those who wish to attend in person. The city announced that per the new Michigan Department of Health and Human Services regulation, masks will not be required at the event. Family attendance is welcome and veterans' participation is encouraged.

The patriotic program will include addresses of historical interest, an address by mayor Pierre Boutros, and wreath laying at the monuments at Shain Park. Civil War re-enactors will assist in the service, and this year's service will commemorate the Korean War.

The origin of Memorial Day dates back to 1868 when the Commander-in-Chief of the Grand Army of the Republic (the fraternal organization of Union Civil War veterans), General John A. Logan, designated May 30 “for the purpose of strewing flowers or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion (the Civil War).” The first service was held that year at Arlington Cemetery, which was already the site of over 20,000 burials. From that first “Decoration Day” to today, communities honor all who served their country with Memorial Day.