The Michigan House of Representatives annually honors those first responders and military personnel from its state who died in the line of duty during the past year in a 9/11 video memorial.
They do this on or around the anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001, when thousands of victims died during or following the terrorist attack on the Twin Towers in downtown Manhattan.
“Our state House ceremony is a time to remember those who lost their lives on Sept. 11 and in the years since. It also gives us the opportunity to honor the military personnel and first responders who are serving our communities today,” Michigan House Speaker Tom Leonard told American Military News. “These brave heroes put their lives on the line every day, and it’s so important to thank them for their tremendous service.”
“We’re hoping if other states see our video, it will encourage them to provide the same honor to their fallen military members and first responders every Sept. 11,” said John Whetstone, Deputy Director of Caucus Services at the Michigan House of Representatives.
Whetstone said the first state House 9/11 ceremony took place on the 10th anniversary of the terrorist attacks, in September 2011. Since 2011, the House has held the ceremony every year on or around Sept. 11. Back in 2011, it was the House legislative leaders at the time who came up with the idea for the ceremony.
