Michigan Army National Guard Funeral Honors Team to escort remains of former Michigan Governor

LANSING, MICH. - Members of the Michigan Army National Guard Funeral Honors Team will provide guard detail for the casket of former Michigan Governor, Steven T. Mason at the State Capitol Building for one day of public viewing. The casket, which is scheduled to arrive at the State Capitol Building on Monday, October 25 at 4:30 p.m., will be in the Capitol Rotunda for public viewing October 26 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and will depart at 10 a.m. on October 27.

Governor Mason's was exhumed from Detroit's Capitol Park while the burial location undergoes renovation. He is to lay in state at the State Capitol Building for one day and will then be transported back to Capitol Park for a re-internment memorial service.

In 1830, at age 19, Mason was appointed the Secretary of Michigan Territory and Superintendent of Indian Affairs by President Andrew Jackson. In 1834 he became acting Territorial Governor and in 1835, at age 24, he was elected the state's first governor though Michigan did not officially establish statehood until 1837. Mason led the state until 1840 and, according to Michigan History magazine and other sources, was the youngest state governor in American history.

The public is welcome to attend the arrival ceremony at 4:30 p.m. at the State Capitol Building. The Michigan Army National Guard Funeral Honors Team will transport the casket from the hearse up the front steps of the SCB and then into the Capitol Rotunda where it will be set up for public viewing. Transportation is being provided by Harris Funeral Home. Upon departure at 10 a.m. October 27, the FHT will report to Capitol Park for the re-internment ceremony.

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MEDIA ADVISORY:
Media is invited to attend. For more information contact Capt. Corissa Barton at 517-481-8140.