Share Your Photos: Pancakes, Parade, Proclamations and Patch

Community leaders, residents, and a group of sailors were up bright and early to kick off a full morning of Memorial Day activities in Royal Oak, beginning with a pancake breakfast served by the Royal Oak Historical Society at the

"We're testing a new secret recipe for the pancakes," said organizer Jay Dunstan, who expected to serve 4,000 pancakes between 7 a.m. and noon.

Those stopping by for the all-you-can-eat hotcakes included Mayor Jim Ellison, Police Chief Corey O'Donohue, City Manager Don Johnson, City Clerk Melanie Halas, Sen. John Pappageorge, Rep. Jim Townsend, and 35 members of the U.S. Navy Band Great Lakes, who later marched in the parade and performed at the Royal Oak Memorial Society's Memorial Day Observance.

Mayor Pro Tem Patricia Capello had an apron on and worked behind the scenes making what she and others agreed were "perfect" pancakes.

Memorial Day Parade and Observance

The parade kicked off at 9:00 a.m. near Main Street and Harrison and headed north on Main Street to Second Street before heading east to the Royal Oak Veterans Memorial where the traditional post-parade memorial service was  held.

"Everything is running very smoothly," said Carlo Ginotti, co-chair of the Memorial Day Parade. Each year approximately 1500 parade participants march in the parade with an estimated 3000-5000 spectators watching from the sidelines.

The Memorial Day Observance, held between the and , followed the parade. Carol Hennessey, president of the the Royal Oak Memorial Society, led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance and gave opening remarks honoring Royal Oak's veterans and war dead.

Mayor Jim Ellison awarded proclamations to the U.S. Navy Band Great Lakes and .

Wreaths were placed at memorial by the City of Royal Oak, Royal Canadian Legion Maple Leaf Post 84, American Legion Frank Wendland Post 253, VFW Acorn Post 1669, Daughters of the American Revolution, Benevolent Protective of Elks, Freaternal Order of Eagles, Royal Oak Police Honor Guard, Royal Oak Fire Department Honor Guard, Knights of Columbus an the Royal Oak Memorial Society.

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