Community Corner

Memorial Day in Royal Oak ‘Keeps Getting Better’

After a year of planning, the parade committee promises some lasting traditions will continue as youth involvement increases.

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Beth Dalbey, Patch StaffVerified Patch Staff Badge

Carlo Ginotti, of the Royal Oak Memorial Day Parade Committee, told city officials Monday that the Memorial Day parade "keeps getting better every year."

Planning for parade is a year-round task. The committee meets monthly, and strives to improve the parade each year, while maintaining the high standards that are expected of such a premier event dedicated to honoring our veterans so that their sacrifices will never be forgotten.

This year's highlights include:

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  • Honor Flags - Families of veterans who have passed away have the opportunity to carry the memorial flag that was presented to the family at the veteran's funeral service.  Families will march as a unit.  

  • Focus on Veterans - The parade committee has made room for individual veterans who don’t belong to an organized group – this was a big success last year.

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  • Army Band - Everyone will remember the Navy Band played during the parade and at the memorial service in 2012 and this year the city is honored to have the 338th US Army Band.

  • Youth involvement is growing – Children are invited to ride bikes parade this year. NEW - Miss South Central Michigan and Ms. South Central Michigan Teen will be participating in the paade.  The Royal Oak Middle School and the Royal Oak High School bands return. And the Royal Oak Ravens football team will once again carry the big US Flag.

    • If You Go

    When: The Royal Oak Memorial Day Parade will be held on Monday, May 26, beginning at 9 a.m.   |   Where: The parade route starts at South Main Street and Harrison, heading North to Second Street, then east to the Veteran's Memorial Plaza where the Annual Memorial Service will be held.   |   Pancake breakfast: Stop by the Royal Oak Farmers Market before or after the parade for the Royal Oak Historical Society Pancake Breakfast. Hotcakes and more will be served from 7 a.m. to noon.

    Source: City of Royal Oak


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