Memorial Day services at Yankee Air Museum set at 9 a.m. Monday

The Yankee Air Museum is asking everyone to begin their Memorial Day by considering the true cost of freedom. On Monday, May 28, the Museum is welcoming the public to attend its annual program dedicated to honoring the military men and women who were killed serving the United States.
The Museum will be open, beginning at 9 a.m. and then close by 10 a.m. for the balance of the day, encouraging everyone to be in their community to observe this important holiday with family, friends and neighbors.
“Memorial Day is cherished by Americans and held in reverent esteem by Yankee Air Museum,” said Geof Bush, Memorial Day chairman for the Yankee Air Museum. “This is the day to ‘pause and remember’ all of the Americans killed in battle. The Museum provides a very appropriate patriotic program recognizing the valiant men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice.”
Bush said there is no cost to attend the short event which begins at 9 a.m. with the Presentation of Colors by the Van Buren Public Safety Honor Guard & Rifles. American Veterans ranging from WWII to the recent Iraq and Afghanistan wars will be recognized, but the focus will remain on the men and women that sacrificed their lives for our country. The keynote address will be given by Yankee Air Museum B-25 pilot and retired United States Marine, Tony Buttacavoli.
“Many members of our Museum, served in the military,” said Kevin Walsh, executive director of Yankee Air Museum. “We have members representing virtually every conflict in which America has been involved from World War II to present day. Memorial Day is especially important to us.”
Walsh said he believes it is necessary for educational institutions like the Museum to help educate and instill in the general public an understanding of the human cost for freedom.
Memorial Day originated to honor the Civil War dead, and the holiday of remembrance was first called Decoration Day. It was renamed and officially recognized as a federal holiday in 1971.
The Yankee Air Museum is located at 47884 D Street, Belleville, MI 48111 on the grounds of historic Willow Run Airport. There will be no charge to attend the Memorial Day Service on Monday, May 28.