Many area communities hold observances and parades to honor the intent of Memorial Day to remember America’s men and women in the military who served and died to defend our country. Here’s a rundown of services and parades in the area:
* Middleville’s annual parade starts at 10:30 a.m. May 30, pauses at the Thornapple River Bridge to toss a wreath to honor veterans who served under and on the sea, continues its march to Mt. Hope Cemetery for a program to honor those who lost their lives in service to the country.
* Hastings May 30 Memorial parade steps off at 9:30 a.m. going through town, stops at the Barry County Courthouse for a rifle salute, Tyden Park to lay a wreath at the soldier’s monument, at Thornapple River to toss a wreath in the water and on to the Riverside Cemetery for its final ceremonies.
* Nashville’s VFW Post 8260 has held a Memorial Day observance honoring all veterans; “those who came home, and those who didn’t,” since 1947. This year’s parade will begin on the north end of the village at 11 a.m. and march to Lakeview cemetery for a short ceremony.
* Lake Odessa VFW Post 4461 marks Memorial Day on May 30 beginning at 8:30 a.m. with the Post Color Guard leading the Clarksville parade, followed by observances at Clarksville and Woodland cemeteries then by final memorials at Lake Odessa’s Lakeside Cemetery.
* Caledonia’s American Legion Post 305 honors veterans at local cemeteries in Alaska at 9 a.m., Blain at 9:45 a.m., Dutton at 10:30 a.m. and Holy Corners at 11:15 a.m. The Parade is May 30, at noon and travels down Main Street to Lakeside Cemetery with a ceremony to honor America’s fallen heroes.
* Wayland’s parade is on Memorial Day at 11 a.m. beginning at the Michigan State Police Post on North Main Street, and ending at VFW Post 7581 at 735 South Main Street. The VFW Post will again offer pulled pork sandwiches with all the fixings after the parade.
* Orangeville will host a ceremony on the May 29 at 2 p.m., at the Orangeville Veteran’s Memorial, with speakers, laying of wreaths, an honor guard from the Hastings American Legion Post #45 and the playing of taps.
* Prairieville Township hosts its Memorial Day parade on May 30 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. starting at the gas station in Prairieville and proceeding to the Prairieville Cemetery for a ceremony.
* Vermontville’s parade starts at 9: 30 a.m. at the bridge at North Ionia Road and Nashville Highway, travels through the village to Woodlawn Cemetery.
* Hickory Corners parade begins at 10 a.m. at Cadwallader Park, marches through Hickory to East Hickory Corners Cemetery for a memorial service. A pancake breakfast is served from 7 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at the fire station and a chicken bar-b-que is held after the parade at Hickory Corners American Legion Post 484, 3801 Hickory Road.
* Yankee Springs Township will hold a short service to honor veterans at the Payne Lake Fire Station at 4 p.m. on Memorial Day. They are looking for veterans who would like to take part; call 269-838-1289.
