MEMORIAL WEEKEND ROAD TRIP -- A Thumbnail on Select War Memorials and Memorial day Observances in Michigan

Memorial Day this year is “observed” on Monday, May 29, providing Americans with a three-day weekend that traditionally marks the start of Summer. Community pools will open, barbeques will be fired up and the end of the school year will soon be upon us. In many towns, however, communities will gather to render honors to our fallen warriors with special ceremonies at their war memorial park or monument. Some Michigan cities, including Dearborn and St. Clair Shores, will stage their annual Memorial Day parades.

While you’re enjoying Memorial Day weekend with your family, include a visit to a local war memorial. We need to tell our children the true meaning of Memorial Day. Here’s a thumbnail on some of our small town war memorials, as well as a summary on some of the larger events. Help me expand this list by sending me information on your town’s war memorial via e-mail johngmccandless@gmail.com. CAPT John G. McCandless, USN (Ret) Active and Reserve Service, 1967 – 1999.

MICHIGAN VETERANS WAR MEMORIAL. Woodward Avenue at East State Fair, Detroit. Air Force veteran, Richard I. Chatman, is a moving force to save this memorial, which was dedicated in 1939 to pay tribute to all Michigan Veterans and our Allies. The plyon had plaques from many different veteran organizations, both American and Canadian. On top was an internal flame, that unfortunately has been extinguished for over 50 years. This memorial is in need of major repairs. While no ceremonies are planned at the memorial this Memorial Day weekend, it is well worth a visit and well-deserving of your support to have this memorial restored.

AMVETS POST 57. Harper Avenue (I-94 Service Drive) at Allard Road, Harper Woods.

At noon on Monday, May 29, members of AMVETS Post 57 and AMVETS Post 57 Auxiliary will gather for their traditional Memorial Day observance. The public is welcomed to join this event, which will be held in the front parking lot at their memorial and flag pole. Parking is available in the rear parking lot.

The City of Harper Woods will hold a Memorial Day ceremony at 10:15 a.m. at the city’s Veterans Memorial at Johnston Park on Beaconsfield.

The War Memorial, 32 Lakeshore Drive, Grosse Pointe Farms.This year, the (Grosse Pointe) War Memorial will observe three events during Memorial Day week:

Tuesday, May 23, 7 p.m. Our Community Salutes is a national non-profit organization created to recognize and celebrate high school students who are enlisting the the military after graduation. As their proud families look on, Metro Detroit graduates will take their oath of office. Patriotic music will be provided by the Motor City Brass Band.

An Evening with Red, White and Blue, Thursday evening, May 25. See website for details on this gala and fundraiser

Monday, May 29, 10 a.m. Memorial Day Observance. This moving ceremony takes place on the lakefront lawn, as those who have given the ultimate sacrifice will be honored and remembered. Major General David G. Bassett, U.S. Army Program Executive Officer for Ground Combat Systems, will be the guest speaker. The ceremony features a reading of the names of fallen Grosse Pointe service members, followed by the Tolling of the Bell and a Rifle Salute. A military fly-over from Selfridge Air National Guard Base will take place. The service will conclude with a moment of silence with Amazing Grade performed on bagpipes.ST. CLAIR SHORES MEMORIAL DAY PARADE. Sunday, May 28. Jefferson Avenue from 9 Mile Road to 11 Mile Road.

Now in its 65th year, the annual Saint Clair Shores Memorial Day Parade is a big event. There are many floats and participants, as noted on the committee’s website and Facebook page.

DEARBORN MEMORIAL DAY PARADE AND CEREMONY. Michigan Avenue, Dearborn. Monday, May 29, 10 a.m. This historic parade, first held in 1924, starts on Michigan Avenue Street at Maple Street and travels west to the Henry Ford Centennial Library. A solemn ceremony will follow at noon in the Veterans Park and War Memorial in front of the library.

To view photos from last year’s parade and ceremony, click here.

CLINTON COUNTY VETERANS MEMORIAL, St. John’s.

The Veterans Memorial in downtown St. Johns serves provides an area to honor fallen soldiers from Clinton County.

COLEMAN VETERANS MEMORIAL, Coleman. The 7th annual "United by Sacrifice" event will be held on Sunday, May 28, with gates opening at 11:30. In addition to musical intertainment, a rib "cook-off" will be held. Funds raised go to further expansion of this memorial.

In May of 2007, the Zylman famility lost their son Casey in Iraq. They wanted to do something to honor Casey's memory. Randy Zylman served with the 25th Infantry Division in Vietnam, and Casey also served with the 25th Infantry as a Calvary Scount during Operation Iraqi Freedom. After much though it was decided that they wanted to honor the Coleman community and all area veterans with something bigger. The Coleman Veterans Memorial Committee was founded.

GREAT LAKES NATIONAL CEMETERY, 4200 Bedford Road, Holly. While no ceremony will be held during Memorial Day weekend, (there is always a ceremony on Veterans Day,) this beautiful new cemetery is well worth a visit.

BRIGHTON VETERANS MEMORIAL, Brighton. Details on their Monday, May 29 ceremony and parade are not yet posted on their website.

VETERANS PARK MEMORIAL PLAZA, Corner of Five Mile and Farmington, Livonia. This year’s event will take place at 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 27.

Photo credit: MLive / LIVONIA OBSERVER

ORION VETERANS MEMORIAL, 312 South Broadway, Lake Orion. This year’s ceremony will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Monday, May 29. It will honor all current military members, veterans and our fallen heroes.