The city is paying special tribute to those victims in a day-long tribute today on Belle Isle. Families will be able to drive their cars in 15 consecutive funeral processions past some 900 billboard-sized photos of their loved ones. Mayor Mike Duggan declared today as Detroit’s Memorial Day to remember those who were not able to have a proper funeral. Family members have agreed not to leave their cars. The park will be closed today to all car, bike and pedestrian traffic. The billboard’s will remain for public display tomorrow and Wednesday.
A memorial service will be held today for Detroit firefighter Sgt. Sivad Johnson. Johnson drowned last week after rescuing two girls who were in trouble in the Detroit River. His 10 year old daughter had waited for her father to return, but then called 9-1-1. Divers later found Johnson’s body. Today’s invite-only service will be held at noon at the Detroit Public Safety Headquarters. It will be live-streamed. Governor Whitmer also ordered the Michigan and U-S flags lowered in the state capitol. A GoFundMe has been created to support Johnson’s family.