Memorial Day Parade in Rochester and Rochester Hills

Memorial Day Parade in Rochester and Rochester Hills

By Michael Dwyer

Display the U.S. Flag for Memorial Day Weekend

Display the U.S. Flag for Memorial Day Weekend

Decoration Day

Memorial Day weekend is the traditional “kick off” to summer. It offers most Americans a three-day weekend to travel or relax. Some will take the family away on vacation for the long weekend and others will put their garden in and have a BBQ.

First called Decoration Day following the American Civil War, Memorial Day (May 30) did not become an official holiday until 1971 when it was changed to always fall on the last Monday of May. Originally, a call to decorate the graves of those lost in the war; it evolved into a day of memorial for all men and women who died serving in the American military in all wars.

Greater Rochester Area Memorial Day Parade

On Monday, May 27, the annual Memorial Day Parade once again begins at Mt. Avon Cemetery. The opening ceremony starts at 9:15 a.m. with the parade commencing at 10:00 a.m. The cemetery is located between First and Third streets and Taylor and Wilcox streets in Rochester.

Col. David Bassett

Col. David Bassett

Co-chair of the event, Terri Williams, says, “Pay your respects to our military” by coming to the parade. The communities of Oakland Township, Rochester, and Rochester Hills sponsor the annual event. Co. David Bassett and Kenneth Reynolds will be guest speakers.

Barking up the Parade Route

This year the parade will be honoring the service dog. Faithful companions that assist their human friends as therapy dogs, leader dogs, police dogs and of course military dogs, will be honored throughout the parade. The four-legged soldiers will be marching with the parade.

Participate at the cemetery; watch from along the 1.1-mile route; or join them where the parade ends at Veterans Memorial Point at the corner of Avon and Livernois Roads in Rochester Hills.

Click here to view and print the Parade Route.

So if you stay in town this Memorial Day weekend, between planting your garden and grilling on the BBQ, take time to honor the men and women who died in war for America.

Michael Dwyer is a freelance writer and travel columnist. Michael writes about happenings in the Rochester area, travels across Michigan and destinations around the world. Contact him at Michael@RochesterMedia.com

 

About Michael Dwyer

Michael Dwyer is a freelance content provider. Michael writes about happenings in the Rochester area, travels across Michigan and destinations around the world. Contact him at michael@rochestermedia.com.

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  1. […] Rochester – On Monday, May 27, the annual Memorial Day Parade once again begins at Mt. Avon Cemetery. The opening ceremony starts at 9:15 a.m. with the parade commencing at 10:00 a.m. The cemetery is located between First and Third streets and Taylor and Wilcox streets in Rochester.  More info […]

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