LANSING, Mich. (May 23, 2024) — On Thursday, May 23, Sen. Mary Cavanagh (D-Redford Twp.) was joined at the Michigan Senate’s 29th Annual Memorial Day Ceremony by her distinguished guest, Detective Edward French of Redford Twp. Police Department, a veteran who served in the military for nearly 25 years.
“The Michigan Senate’s annual Memorial Day ceremony is a moment to reflect on and recognize the dignity and humanity of our military service members, honoring those whose lives were lost in service to their fellow Americans,” said Sen. Cavanagh. “I am honored to have been joined by Detective French as my guest this year, and I am deeply grateful for his bravery and commitment to serving our country.”
Detective French joined the U.S. Army Reserves in November of 1998 as a Civil Affairs Specialist. From there, he deployed to Honduras, Bosnia, Iraq and Qatar from 2000 to 2019. Throughout his decades-long career, Detective French has received notable awards for his service, including the following: Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Overseas Service Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal and NATO Medal. He retired in September 2023 after 24 years of service as a Sergeant First Class.
Since 1995, the Michigan Senate has held a special session to commemorate Memorial Day and recognize Michigan veterans, active military servicemembers, and their families, including our state’s Blue Star Mothers. The ceremony also recognizes the Michigan soldiers who lost their lives and their Gold Star Families they left behind.
Sen. Mary Cavanagh (D-Redford Twp.) and Sen. Cavanagh's guest, military veteran and Redford Twp. Detective Edward French, are pictured on the Senate floor following the Michigan Senate's 29th Annual Memorial Day Ceremony on Thursday, May 23, 2024.