2013 Memorial Day Parade and Service Schedule

On April 15, the Royal Oak City Commission unanimously approved the plans for the 2013 Memorial Day Parade and Memorial Service scheduled for May 27. 

Royal Oak Memorial Day Parade Committee members Steven Zanetti, Philip Smith, Stacey Huber, Tim Teer, Wanda Warsinski and Co-Chairs Carol Hennessey and Carlo Ginotti attended the Commission meeting to highlight some of the events scheduled in honor of our veterans.  The theme of this uniquely Royal Oak event is "A Time to Honor our Korean & Vietnam Veterans" and the parade will once again include veterans groups, school clubs, community, and service organizations.

The parade will kick off at 9 a.m. near Main Street and Harrison and will head north on Main Street to Second Street and east to the Royal Oak Veterans Memorial where the traditional post-parade Memorial Service will be held.   Each year approximately 1,500 parade participants march in the parade while 3,000-5,000 spectators watch from the side lines.

"This parade and the events that we have planned are some of the best events in this area.  The community really comes together to remember those who sacrificed so that we may enjoy our freedom.  I am so proud that Royal Oak is second to none in coming together as a community to show our deep respect and gratitude for these veterans,” said Carol Hennessey.  “This parade has been held annually on Memorial Day for more than a half century, and is always a spectacular event. 

"The Memorial Day Parade has been a part of our city's history for as long as I can remember and this year's parade promises to be a wonderful experience", said Royal Oak Mayor Jim Ellison.  “I am very proud of our community and I invite everyone who can make it to come out and join us as we thank and honor our veterans.”

Immediately following the parade the Royal Oak Memorial Society holds the traditional Memorial Service at the Veterans Memorial.  "The Memorial Service has always been a very solemn event at which we as a community join together to remember our veterans," said Carlo Ginotti, Co-Chair of the Memorial Parade Committee.  “This year Royal Oak High School Band will play at the service and the Royal Oak Children’s Choir will sing.

Also, scheduled on the morning of the parade and service, the Royal Oak Historical Society will host its annual Pancake Breakfast Fund Raiser at the Farmer's Market across the street from the Royal Oak Veterans Memorial.  Pancakes will be served from 7:00 a.m. until noon.  The all-you-can-eat-breakfast is $6.00 per person – children under 10 eat for $3.00.   For information about breakfast go to: http://www.royaloakhistoricalsociety.com/pancake.html

Finally, the Memorial Society continued its long tradition of cleaning the graves of the nearly 2,500 veterans buried at Oak View Cemetery. Leading up to the Memorial Day Service, the graves are cleaned and groomed and then US Flags are placed at each site with the help of dozens of volunteers. This year the flags will be placed on May 25, 2013, volunteers are still needed.    

This year, we will have the Michigan Traveling Vietnam Wall at Farmers Market on May 21-23.  If you haven’t seen it, please join us.

For information on volunteering for the Memorial Day Parade and Service, or to volunteer to help at Oak View Cemetery for the placing of the flags at the graves, contact Carol Hennessey 248-543-8420 or go to City of Royal Oak Website at: http://www.ci.royal-oak.mi.us/portal/events/memorial-day-community-parade.

Schedule

• May 21-23: Michigan Traveling Vietnam Wall at Royal Oak Farmers Market 
• May 25: Flags placed at Oak View Cemetery
• May 27: Pancake breakfast at Royal Oak Farmers Market from 7 a.m. until noon
• May 27: Parade kicks off at 9 a.m. near Main Street and Harrison and will head north on Main Street to Second Street to Second Street and east to the Royal Oak Veterans Memorial where the traditional post-parade Memorial Service will be held 

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