DEARBORN – The city’s 87th annual Memorial Day Parade May 30, the oldest continuous parade in Michigan, presents a special tribute to those who served and died in the Vietnam War, in this 50th anniversary year of the conflict.
Funeral procession at 9:30 a.m.
A solemn funeral procession begins at 9:30 a.m. for three veterans who died without resources or family and whose remains have been left in Dearborn funeral homes.
Parade at 10:30 a.m.
The parade begins at 10:30 a.m. and travels Michigan Avenue from Greenfield Road to Schaefer and includes 80 military and community groups, five flyovers, special guests and military vehicles.
The Dearborn Allied War Veterans Council, led by 2011 Commander Craig Tillman, organizes the parade with support from the city.
Remembrance Service at noon.
After the parade, the traditional Remembrance Service will be at noon at the War Memorial on the grounds of City Hall.
Grand marshal
Grand marshal is Adrian Cronauer, the military disc jockey whose life inspired the main character in the 1989 movie, “Good Morning Vietnam!” He will give a keynote address at the Remembrance Ceremony.
Free public display of Huey and Vietnam-era vehicles 1 to 4 p.m.
New this year will be a free, public exhibit outside of Ford World Headquarters from 1 to 4 p.m. of a Huey helicopter, Vietnam War memorabilia and vehicles and the Michigan Vietnam Veterans Remembrance Wall.
Tribute to 69 Dearborn Vietnam veterans who perished.
The parade also will pay tribute to the 69 men from Dearborn who died in Vietnam or in military service during that era. Military and community groups will march in honor of the men and carry posters with their photos and names.
Dearborn Federal Savings Bank also is supporting the parade.
More details of the parade can be found at www.cityofdearborn.org. Click on the U.S. Flag in the right column.