LIBERTY TOWNSHIP, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Today is Memorial Day, a U.S. federal holiday that is observed annually on the last Monday of May. It’s a holiday to honor and remember the men and women who died while serving in the nation’s armed forces.

The holiday originated after the Civil War as “Decoration Day,” when Americans would decorate the graves of fallen soldiers with flowers and flags. Over time, it evolved into a national day of remembrance for all military personnel who gave their lives in service.

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Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer, celebrated with parades, ceremonies, and family gatherings. It’s a time to honor those who served and reflect on the freedoms their sacrifices secured. It’s also a fitting moment to notice the patriotic names scattered across Michigan – like confetti at a Fourth of July parade – reminders of the spirit that shaped our state.

Liberty Township – Jackson County.

Michigan boasts multiple nods to liberty and freedom, though they’re sometimes hiding in plain sight. Liberty Township in Jackson County keeps the patriotic flame alive with rural charm and a name that Thomas Jefferson would probably endorse. The township is about 10 miles south of Jackson near the headwaters of the Grand River with approximately 2,500 residents spread across the rural landscape and four separate lake communities.

Meanwhile, Freedom Township in Washtenaw County sits just west of Ann Arbor. It was established in the 1830s after splitting from Dexter Township and named after a spirited debate over what to call it. The rural township, home to about 1,300 residents, is known for its scenic farmland, historic homes, Pleasant Lake, and small hamlet of Fredonia at its center. With a mix of agriculture, small industry, and environmental preservation efforts, Freedom Township maintains its open spaces through a master plan and zoning ordinances.

Victory Township – Mason County.

Need something with more firepower? Victory Township in Mason County gives you that straight- from-the-battlefield energy. With about 1,400 residents and probably more deer than voters, it’s the kind of place where life slows down a bit and it’s just the way the folks there like it.

Founded in 1867 and named to commemorate the Union’s Civil War triumph, Victory Township in Mason County began as a rugged wilderness of hardwoods and white pine. Early pioneers settled near the Lincoln River, giving rise to Victory Corners – a community once poised to become the county seat. Waves of Scandinavian immigrants, including a prominent Danish enclave, added to the township’s rich cultural fabric. Over time, farming rooted the community, and post–World War II growth brought change while preserving the township’s distinct rural Midwestern character.

Patriotic pit stops worth the detour.

For a red, white, and blue detour this Memorial Day weekend, consider a visit to Glory Lake, quietly nestled in the woods of Crawford County – a perfect spot for reflection and a picnic under the pines. Or, if you’re feeling festive, head over to Patriot Drive in Muskegon, where you can quite literally roll down the windows, turn up “God Bless the USA,” and cruise through town with stars in your eyes and freedom in your speakers.

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For those looking to follow a moral compass rather than a magnetic one, we offer Honor, Michigan in Benzie County. Founded in the late 1800s, it still carries the weight of its noble name. It’s small, proud, and it also has a great BBQ place called Jim’s Joint – with mouthwatering ribs, BBQ, potato salad, beans and more.

Red, white, and blue.

Let’s not forget Independence Township in Oakland County, which sounds like it should host a fireworks show 365 days a year. Independence Township was settled in the 1820s and 1830s by pioneers from New York and New Jersey. Despite early surveys calling the area swampy, drainage efforts turned it into productive land. By the mid-1800s, farming dominated, but trades grew with the rise of Clarkston Village. In the early 1900s, Detroiters began flocking to the township’s lakes, turning farms into summer cottages and shifting the area toward recreation.

If you’re planning to spend Memorial Day on the water, head to Lake Independence in Marquette County. It’s a prime spot for fishing and kayaking, with crisp, clear views and cold, invigorating water that’ll give you a true taste of freedom – especially if you accidentally take a dip in its 1,860-acre expanse.

Patriotism isn’t just a feeling – it’s a place on the map.

Sure, some of these places are quiet, rural, and barely marked on the map. But on Memorial Day, their names ring with extra weight – reminders of the ideals we honor and the people who died defending them. So whether you’re paddling on Glory Lake, passing through Honor, or just enjoying the peace of Liberty Township, give a little salute. Because in Michigan, even the ZIP codes know what it means to be free.