New monument dedicated to those killed in service

LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) — Though Memorial Day is this Monday, those in and around the city are already honoring and remembering those who gave everything for our country.

Community members and city of Lansing officials gathered on the Saturday before Memorial Day, May 25, to dedicate a new stone monument at Evergreen Cemetery.

“This weekend isn’t just about barbecues and family; it’s about remembering those who keep us safe,” said Lansing Mayor Andy Schor.

The Little Arlington Veterans Memorial Monument Sign in Evergreen Cemetery is dedicated to the memory of those killed in the service of the United States.

“It’s tremendously important that we understand this weekend and every week is about remembering those who served for us,” Schor said. “Really, it enabled our freedom and our democracy, so we have to remember.”

6 News anchor Sheri Jones led the welcome to the dedication ceremony.

“We are gathered today for a grateful and patriotic duty, to dedicate this Little Arlington Veterans Memorial Monument sign for the city of Lansing as a perpetual monument sign to our heroes who died in their country’s service,” Jones said.

Janice Elias said her husband is buried at Evergreen Cemetery, and that people should never forget the meaning of Memorial Day Weekend.

“They really need to be recognized for their service, and I really appreciate everything that they do here and all of the service; it just means so much,” Elias said.

Schor added that it’s great to see something that community activist Alfreda Schmidt, who died this April, had worked so hard to bring to fruition.

“For years, 20, 25, 30 years, I’ve been coming. And Alfreda has always been here. Sometimes it’s really cold and sometimes it’s really hot but Alfreda Schmidt was always here,” Schor said. “This year we unveiled the monument which is something that she really wanted, she worked on for many years.”

As Mayor Schor dedicated the monument, he made the following statement:

“I now dedicate this Little Arlington veterans memorial Monument Sign. It is dedicated to the memory of those who fell in the service of their country on land and sea. It is dedicated in the name of those who offered their lives that Justice, Freedom and Democracy might survive. The lives of those who have made the supreme sacrifice are glorious before us, and their deeds are an inspiration. As they served America in time of war, yielding their last full measure of devotion, may we serve America in time of peace.”

Lansing Mayor Andy Schor

The following donors contributed to the Little Arlington Monument:

• Purple Heart Chapter 37
• Department of Veterans Affairs
• 40 ET 8
• Jeff Reeves
• Lansing Board of Water & Light
• Dean Transportation
• PNC Bank
• Emergent Bio Solutions
• Greater Lansing Monument Company

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