HOLLY, MI – The federal government shutdown was a factor in the decision to cancel this year’s Veterans Day ceremony at Great Lakes National Cemetery.

A message sent out by the Great Lakes National Cemetery Advisory Council to all volunteers who take part in the ceremony at the cemetery in Holly notes in part “Due to the current Federal Government shutdown, a number of Department of Veterans Affairs employees will be entering a ‘non-duty, non-pay’ status effective October 16, 2025.”

Ronald Smith, president of the advisory council, told MLive/The Flint Journal all non-burial activities at the cemetery have been canceled for now.

The cemetery, which held its first burial in October 2025 , is operated by the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs.

Burials are still taking place, Smith said,

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