Memorial Day

Memorial Day in the USA originated after the Civil War, initially called Decoration Day, as a time to honor Union soldiers by decorating their graves with flowers. It was first widely observed on May 30, 1868, when General John A. Logan called for a nationwide day of remembrance for more than 600,000 soldiers killed in the Civil War. Over time, it evolved to commemorate American military personnel who died in all wars, with the name officially changed to Memorial Day by federal law in 1967. In 1971, the observance of Memorial Day was standardized to occur on the last Monday of May, creating a three-day weekend aimed at remembering fallen service members and marking the unofficial start of summer.

Here are some scheduled Memorial Day parades for 2024 in Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties in Michigan.

These events are significant community gatherings that offer a chance to honor and remember the military service of veterans. For more detailed information or updates closer to the event dates, you should check local community websites or city council postings related to these parades.

Wayne County:

  1. Dearborn Memorial Day Parade – May 27, 2024, starting at 9:30 a.m. The parade will travel along Michigan Ave in West Dearborn and end with a Remembrance Ceremony at noon at the Dearborn Historical Museum.
  2. Wayne-Westland Veterans Memorial Day Parade – May 26, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. This parade starts at John Glenn High School in Westland, proceeds on Marquette Rd. to Carlson, and ends at the Westland William P Faust Public Library with a ceremony at the Veteran’s Memorial Garden.
  3. Grosse Pointe Memorial Day Parade – May 27, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. This traditional parade features community groups and school bands, celebrating with a route through downtown Grosse Pointe.
  4. Livonia Memorial Day Parade – May 27, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. Starting at Ford Field in Livonia, this parade ends with a memorial service at the Veterans’ Park Monument.
  5. Canton Memorial Day Parade – May 27, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. The parade begins at the Canton Administration Building and proceeds to the Veterans Memorial for a short ceremony.
  6. Romulus Memorial Day Parade – May 27, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. The parade starts at Romulus City Hall and moves through downtown.
  7. Trenton Memorial Day Parade – May 27, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. This event features a parade through downtown Trenton, culminating in a memorial ceremony.
  8. Plymouth Memorial Day Parade – May 27, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. Starts at Main Street and proceeds through downtown Plymouth.
  9. Northville Memorial Day Parade – May 27, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. This parade includes a route through downtown Northville and concludes with a memorial service.
  1. Wyandotte Memorial Day Parade – May 27, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. This parade will start from Ford Avenue and proceed through downtown Wyandotte, culminating in a solemn service at the Veterans Memorial Park.

Oakland County:

  1. Birmingham Memorial Day Parade – May 27, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. The event is held at Shain Park and includes addresses by the Mayor and State Representative, patriotic music, and an introduction of veterans.
  2. Farmington/Farmington Hills Memorial Day Parade – May 27, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. The parade starts near the intersection of Grand River Avenue and Orchard Lake Road and concludes with a ceremony at Memorial Park.
  3. Royal Oak Memorial Day Parade – May 27, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. This parade starts on Main Street at Lincoln and continues north to Second Street, concluding with a ceremony at the Veterans War Memorial​​.
  4. Northville Memorial Day Parade – May 27, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. to noon. The parade marches down Main Street to Wing Street, then West down Cady Street, ending at Rural Hill Cemetery with a memorial service​​.
  5. Novi Memorial Day Parade – May 27, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. Taking place at Novi Meadow Brook Commons, this event is well-attended by community groups and veteran’s organizations.
  6. Clarkston Memorial Day Parade – May 27, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. Begins in downtown Clarkston and ends with a memorial service at the local cemetery.
  7. Milford Memorial Day Parade – May 27, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. The parade route includes Main Street and concludes with a ceremony honoring veterans.
  8. Orion Township Memorial Day Parade – May 27, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. This parade starts at Blanche Sims Elementary School and concludes with a service.
  9. Rochester Memorial Day Parade – May 27, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. Features a route through downtown Rochester, ending with a commemorative service.
  1. Keego Harbor Memorial Day Parade – May 27, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. This parade will start on Cass Lake Road and proceed through the main streets of Keego Harbor, ending with a ceremony at the city park to honor veterans.

Macomb County:

  1. St. Clair Shores Memorial Day Parade – May 26, 2024. This parade is one of the highlights in Macomb County, celebrated for its community involvement and festive atmosphere.
  2. Warren Memorial Day Parade – May 27, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. It features a route along Chicago Road, starting from City Hall to the Veteran’s Memorial.
  3. Sterling Heights Memorial Day Parade – May 26, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. This parade starts at the Sterling Heights City Center, moving along Dodge Park Road to the Sterling Heights Community Center.
  4. Roseville Memorial Day Parade – May 27, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. This parade starts at Common Road and proceeds to Veterans Memorial Park for a commemorative service.
  5. Utica Memorial Day Ceremony – May 26, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. at Utica City Hall. This ceremony includes a parade and tribute to fallen soldiers.
  6. Chesterfield Township Memorial Day Parade – May 27, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. The parade starts at City Hall and moves along the main city streets.
  7. Mount Clemens Memorial Day Parade – May 27, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. Begins downtown and features military and veterans’ groups.
  8. New Baltimore Memorial Day Parade – May 27, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. This parade includes waterfront views and ends with a lakeside ceremony.
  9. St. Clair Shores Memorial Day Parade – May 26, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. It features a route along Harper Avenue, with various community groups participating.
  1. Fraser Memorial Day Parade – May 27, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. The parade will begin at City Hall and proceed down Garfield Road, ending with a commemorative ceremony at the Fraser Veterans Memorial Park.