The Daughters of the American Revolution of Michigan (DAR of Michigan) and the Michigan Society Sons of the American Revolution (MISSAR) will jointly host a wreath-laying ceremony marking the 250th anniversary of the United States.
The event is set for Thursday, April 30 at 1:30 p.m. by the George Washington statue at the Michigan Elliott-Larsen State Office Building, 300 S. Walnut Street, downtown Lansing. The date commemorates George Washington’s first inauguration in 1789.
State and local officials, patriotic and genealogical groups, veterans, and community members will participate. The program includes wreath placement, 21-gun salute, patriotic music by the Meridian Community Band, and the MISSAR Color Guard.
The ceremony is free and open to the public. A reception will follow at Heritage Hall in the Michigan State Capitol. Visitors can take docent-led Capitol tours and see student displays of outreach programs including Elementary School Art Contest winners’ work and Middle School Brochure winners’ work on the Declaration of Independence.
“We are honored to partner in commemorating our nation’s founding and those who secured American independence,” said Dawn Brady, State Regent of DAR of Michigan. “Through historic preservation, education, and patriotism, our members engage communities, support students, and honor veterans. This ceremony shows our commitment to preserving history and inspiring future service.”
“MISSAR is proud to help recognize America’s 250th anniversary and honor Revolutionary War patriots,” said Bob Craig, First Vice President of MISSAR. “Our organization promotes patriotism, preserves history, and educates future generations. This event highlights the importance of honoring our heritage and those who shaped our nation.”
The guest speaker will be William LeVeque, former Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Michigan, that erected the George Washington statue in downtown Lansing in 1982 in commemoration of Washington’s birthday.
“George Washington’s leadership was not only shaped by the battlefield and the halls of government, but also by the quiet, enduring principles of Freemasonry; integrity, brotherhood, and service to a cause greater than oneself,” said LeVeque. “As Masons, we see in Washington a living example of our values in action — a man who carried the tools of the Lodge into the building of a nation. Washington’s Masonic journey reminds us that true leadership is measured not by power, but by a steadfast commitment to truth, justice, and the betterment of all."
The event is set for Thursday, April 30 at 1:30 p.m. by the George Washington statue at the Michigan Elliott-Larsen State Office Building, 300 S. Walnut Street, downtown Lansing. The date commemorates George Washington’s first inauguration in 1789.
State and local officials, patriotic and genealogical groups, veterans, and community members will participate. The program includes wreath placement, 21-gun salute, patriotic music by the Meridian Community Band, and the MISSAR Color Guard.
The ceremony is free and open to the public. A reception will follow at Heritage Hall in the Michigan State Capitol. Visitors can take docent-led Capitol tours and see student displays of outreach programs including Elementary School Art Contest winners’ work and Middle School Brochure winners’ work on the Declaration of Independence.
“We are honored to partner in commemorating our nation’s founding and those who secured American independence,” said Dawn Brady, State Regent of DAR of Michigan. “Through historic preservation, education, and patriotism, our members engage communities, support students, and honor veterans. This ceremony shows our commitment to preserving history and inspiring future service.”
“MISSAR is proud to help recognize America’s 250th anniversary and honor Revolutionary War patriots,” said Bob Craig, First Vice President of MISSAR. “Our organization promotes patriotism, preserves history, and educates future generations. This event highlights the importance of honoring our heritage and those who shaped our nation.”
The guest speaker will be William LeVeque, former Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Michigan, that erected the George Washington statue in downtown Lansing in 1982 in commemoration of Washington’s birthday.
“George Washington’s leadership was not only shaped by the battlefield and the halls of government, but also by the quiet, enduring principles of Freemasonry; integrity, brotherhood, and service to a cause greater than oneself,” said LeVeque. “As Masons, we see in Washington a living example of our values in action — a man who carried the tools of the Lodge into the building of a nation. Washington’s Masonic journey reminds us that true leadership is measured not by power, but by a steadfast commitment to truth, justice, and the betterment of all."
