Garden City honors fallen at Memorial Day observance; banner program to recognize residents killed in action

Mayor Mark Jacobs opened Garden City's Memorial Day observance on the front lawn of City Hall, calling the day "a sacred day of remembrance" and asking the community to "reflect not only on the sacrifice of those we lost, but also on the responsibility we share to live lives worthy of their sacrifice." Mayor Jacobs led remarks highlighting year-round recognition of veterans, including the city's hometown heroes banner program.

"This year, the Garden City Downtown Development Authority with assistance from Straight Farmhouse historical museum is expanding that effort by recognizing Garden City residents who were killed in action while serving our country," Jacobs said, announcing the program expansion that will add banners honoring fallen local service members.

The guest speaker, Sergeant Emily Thren of the Michigan Army National Guard, recounted her enlistment in 2001 and deployments with the 1775th Military Police Company to Kuwait and Iraq. Thren described the personal cost of service and the community's duty to remember. She cited historical casualty figures in her address, saying, for example, "We are here for the approximately 36,000 lost during the Korean War, the approximately 58,000 lost during the Vietnam War, and the approximately 7,000 lost during the Persian Gulf, Afghanistan, and Iraq wars," and urging the community to continue efforts to bring missing service members home.

The program included ceremonial elements and musical performances. The Garden City High School senior Ellie Kogman sang the national anthem and later led "God Bless America;" Brandon Langden performed "Amazing Grace" and "Going Home." The American Legion Post 396 ritual team fired a 21-gun salute and bugler James Townsen played "Taps." Pastor Dave Ferraro of Marman Road Baptist Church delivered the benediction, quoting, "Greater love has no one than this, that he would lay down his life for his friends."

Attendees included city council members and local officials named during the program. Organizers closed the observance with thanks to veterans and families and an invitation from the American Legion Post 396 to attend a small lunch after the ceremony.

The observance emphasized remembrance, community support for veterans and a new local effort to make the names and stories of fallen Garden City residents more visible through a banner program run by the Downtown Development Authority in partnership with Straight Farmhouse historical museum.