Images: Clawson's Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony

After a couple weeks of , Monday morning was bright and warm— perfect weather for the .

Just after 10 a.m., a pair of police escorts rolled north on Main Street toward Memorial Park, leading the that included the , members of the Clawson-Troy Elks Club, American Legion members and veterans, flag carriers, and boy scout troops.

Onlookers watched the parade from the sides of Main Street as it came to an end at , where everyone gathered for more festivities.

Speeches were given on the gazebo by American Legion Post 167 Commander Bryan Soubliere and first year Chaplain John Hiller.

“I think [the festivities] went beautiful,” said Hiller after the speeches wrapped up, adding that he hopes to continue to come to this annual event and handle his Chaplain responsibilities “as long as I can.”

Mayor Penny Luebs also gave a speech.

“In Clawson, the origin [of Memorial Day] has not been lost,” Luebs said. “We continue to hold a memorial service and decorate graves with flowers and flags; the high school band plays patriotic songs; the American Legion sponsors the parade and a luncheon and our veterans honor us by participation.”

“It still puts a lump in your throat, even though you hear the same thing each year,” said Clawson City Councilwoman Kathy Phillips.

Members of boy scout troops #1094 from Clawson and #1707 from Troy carried out the flag raising ceremony, unfolding, raising and saluting Old Glory as it flew over everyone’s heads at the crowded park.

After the flag was in the air, the American Legion Rifle Team raised their guns in unison and fired a series of shots into the air.

The band performed “Taps” as the large crowd stared up at the flag with more than one set of teary eyes.

“It’s nice to see the people turn out,” said Jim Karr of American Legion Post 167. “But on Memorial Day, we only need one person and we’ll march.”

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