An early rise on 4th of July, but for good reason.

Mike was on the Detroit News!!!!!

...but we will get to that in a minute.

Our 4th of July started at 5:30am with Mike getting home from work and me getting myself and the kids ready to leave the house by 6:30am.  At 6:30 exactly we were driving down the road to start our hour and a half drive to Plymouth, Michigan.  Our goal was to be in Plymouth by 8:00am...we made it just in time.  Is that news worthy?  I don't think so!

By 8:30 we found a comfy cement curb to plop our booties on in downtown Plymouth to watch the 4th of July parade.  

I would say that this was one of the very best parades I have seen. 

There were...

Giant American Flags!

Lots of people of unicycles.

A Fife and Drum Corps.

Firetrucks

and antique bikes with talented riders!

But it's what happened after the parade that is what made this year special and will be held in my memory forever.

Our family (on my Dad's side) was able to witness and participate in a memorial service for my Great-Great-Great-Great-Great-Great Grandfather, Titus Vespatian Hoisington.  Vespatian Hoisington was born in Connecticut on June 8th 1763 and eventually moved to Plymouth, Michigan to live and eventually died there on May 21, 1841. One of Vespatian's accomplishments throughout his life was fighting in the Revolutionary War.  Up until this 4th of July, 170 years later, there has been no recognition of his service and honors in the military or recognition of his death, he had no headstone.  He was Plymouth's only known Revolutionary War Veteran.

With much dedication and hard work Mike (my hubby) and the committee organized a heartfelt and beautiful memorial service for Titus Vespation Hoisington to give him the recognition that he deserved.  This event was even more special for me because Mike was the Master of Ceremony for the event!  It was amazing to see him prepare for the memorial and hear him speak at the service, he did us PROUD!  You did a FANTASTIC JOB!!  By clicking HERE there is a link that was on the Detriot News.  It is Mike's voice throughout most of it.  Kate is by the tombstone in the middle and Nick's hand is touching it at the end.  There was also a very nice article in the Plymouth Observer that you can read HERE (Hey Dad! You are quoted at the end of the article, so read it!). And another write up and video in the Plymouth Patch that you can find HERE.  It was a pretty big deal for the area, there were lots of camera's and video camera's along with several reporters.  The ceremony itself lasted about 45 minutes and included the Mayer of Plymouth speaking, a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution speaking, a Commander of Veterans of Foreign Wars speaking, an Honor Guard, a Fife and Drum Corps, a 21 gun salute and a Bugler.  The ceremony brought tears to many of peoples eyes.  It was amazing and very touching that Mike and the rest of his committee were able to finally honor my 6th Great Grandfather for his services as a Revolutionary War Veteran.

Mike speaking with the Honor guard next to him.

 The presentation of the Memorial Wreath.

The headstone for Titus Vespatian Hoisington.

Mike (in the blue shirt and yellow tie) and the rest of the Memorial Committee.