Every life matters!

Decades ago I was asked to host a national memorial service that honored fallen members of the United States Coast Guard. Every summer the birthday of the Coast Guard is officially observed in a huge event called the Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival. Our harbor is filled with Coast Guard Ships, and mega crowds come here for parades, concerts, food, carnival rides, art exhibits and more. 

Many Coast Guard officials, as well as local leaders, have commented that this meaningful memorial service, held at the city’s Escanaba Park on the bank of the Grand River, is a festival highlight. 

What a thrill to serve as the emcee! Following a welcome to the large crowd attending the outdoor ceremony, I read the name of every person who died in the line of duty in the previous 12 months, as a bell tolled. That was followed by the symbolic ritual of placing a wreath at the waterfront park’s memorial plaque. Fitting music was provided by the U.S. Coast Guard Band. In conclusion, a firearms salute, followed by Taps, played by a bugler from the deck of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Mackinaw. 

That emotional experience has led me, in this new profession, to consider an annual memorial service for men and women who die while incarcerated in Michigan.. The MDOC tells us that approximately 120 people die each year. Many deaths are attributed to medical and health issues. Other causes include suicide and in-prison attacks. One of the somber facts re prison deaths especially prodded my thoughts: There’s a small percentage of men and women who have no family, no loved ones, no support group. There’s no one to notify following their death. The remains are cremated. The ashes are simply buried in a prison cemetery in Jackson. Heartbreaking! 

For years I have felt the need to remember the names of everyone who dies in a Michigan prison…that it’s time to demonstrate our motto that everyone behind bars matters. Every one of those persons was created in the image of God! 

Year after year more pressing prison issues seem to crop up, and the idea gets sidetracked. Not this year! It’s gaining traction! 

I recently shared my thoughts with one of our new board members, award-winning film producer Nate Roels. He’s going to help! 

This is the year that HUMANITY FOR PRISONERS is going to do something about it. Talks are just beginning, so the nature of the memorial event is still in the works. Many, many complicating factors: where the service should be held; whether it should be live or recorded, or both; how to include family and friends; how that video can also be shown in all state facilities. And that’s just the beginning. 

It’s a huge challenge, but it’s going to happen! 

Stay tuned. 

"Justice should not be a death sentence; every life matters, even those in chains."

 Bryan Stevenson

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