Several area communities will hold ceremonies, parades and events to observe Memorial Day and honor our nation's fallen heroes:
Hastings
The Lawrence J. Bauer American Legion Post 45 will hold its annual Memorial Day Parade at 9:30am. The Parade will form at the corner of Boltwood and State Streets at 8:30am and travel west on State Street to North Broadway, North on Broadway to the Veteran's Memorial where two wreaths will be placed, one honoring all veterans and one a POW-MIA wreath. A rifle salute will be followed by Taps, there will be a short presentation honoring all veterans.
Next stop will be on the Broadway Bridge to place a wreath in the Thornapple River in honor of military personnel who have served on and under the seas. The Honor Guard will fire a rifle salute, followed by Taps.
Riverside Cemetery will be the final stop at the GAR Monument at the end of the Avenue of Flags where Memorial Day ceremonies will be held. The grave of the most recently buried Veteran at Riverside Cemetery will receive the final wreath and honors of the event.
No political signs, banners, posters, sirens or horns will be allowed in the parade and participants will not be allowed to distribute handouts or candy to spectators.
Woodland
A Memorial Day Service will be held at Woodland Cemetery on Velte Rd. at 10am.
Lake Odessa
The Jackson Mutschler VFW Post 4461 will participate in the Clarksville Memorial Day Parade at 8:30am Monday, then at the Woodland cemetery service at 10am. At 11am a Memorial Day Service will be held at Lakeside Cemetery in Lake Odessa.
Nashville
The Nashville VFW Post 8260 Memorial Day Parade will be held Monday at 11am beginning at the Fishing Dock on Philadelphia Street where flowers are placed in the river in memory of sailors who made the ultimate sacrifice. A 21 Gun Salute will complete the ceremony.
The VFW Color Guard and Maple Valley Junior/Senior High Bands will travel south on Main Street to the Fire Barn to commemorate those firemen who have served or sacrificed their lives for the community. The parade will continue to the VFW Post where the Band will board busses to the cemetery. At Lakeview Cemetery, VFW Post members will raise the flag and perform a 21-gun salute while the band performs the National Anthem. Classic cars, scouts and bicycles with a patriotic theme are encouraged to join the parade.
Hickory Corners
Annual Memorial Day activities will be held in Hickory Corners starting with a pancake breakfast served from 7:00 to 9:30am at the fire station.
The Memorial Day Parade begins at 10am. Some of the highlights of the parade include the Shriner’s Mini-T’s, the Gull Lake High School and Delton High School bands. The parade has been held in Hickory Corners for over 60 years and includes tractors, horses and carriages, fire trucks, floats, classic cars, scout troops, 4-H members and local children on decorated bikes.
Parade coordinator Chris Reed said weather permitting, they also hope to have a flyover. After the parade, Memorial Services will be held at East Hickory Cemetery. Guest speaker will be retired Col. Frank J. Walker.
Following memorial services, Hot Dog and Pulled Pork baskets will be available at the Simmonds Williams American Legion Post 484 in Hickory Corners, open to the public.
Gun Lake Memorial Day Cruise
The 5th annual Gun Lake Memorial Day Cruise, honoring all who served, is Monday May 27th. Staging begins at Gun Lake Community Church at 9:00am. The Cruise begins at 11:00am and ends around noon. The Cruise will end at the Chief Noonday Car Park, as they are hosting a “Cruise In” Event. This show is open to anyone who’d like to show off their ride, or who’d like to come and hang out. There will be multiple food trucks vendors on site, along with music and fun for the whole family.
Orangeville
Orangeville hosts a Memorial Ceremony annually on the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend at 2:00p.m. at the Veteran’s Memorial in Orangeville.
Prairieville
Prairieville will hold a Memorial Day Parade starting at 1pm and Service at the veterans Monument in the cemetery. All are welcome to participate.
Middleville
The Middleville Lion's Club Memorial Day Parade is back on Monday, with a pancake breakfast from 8 to 10am at the United Methodist Church. The Parade steps off at 10:30am and is followed by a ceremony of remembrance at the cemetery, organized by American Legion Post #140.
Wayland
In Wayland, a bus will transport veterans between six sites for Cemetery Honors starting at 8am.
The Annual Memorial Day Parade and Cookout hosted by Wayland VFW Post #7581 will be held Monday starting at 11:00am, beginning at the Michigan State Police Post, marching south, and concluding at the Wayland VFW Post. Following the parade the public is invited to the VFW to enjoy the annual BBQ cookout
Caledonia
Caledonia American Legion Memorial Post 305 will hold the community’s Memorial Day Parade at noon on Main Street. At 12:30, flags will be placed on military graves at Caledonia Lakeside Cemetery with a ceremony. Afterward at 1pm a Luncheon will be held for veterans, their families, and first responders at the Legion Post.
