The Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 259, Downriver honor fallen soldiers May 30 in the 96th annual Dearborn Memorial Day Parade.
The Marine Corps Color Guard marches May 30 in the 96th annual Dearborn Memorial Day Parade.
By SUE SUCHYTA
Times-Herald Newspapers
DEARBORN – As flyovers soared overhead and marching bands trilled, Dearborn returned to its annual Memorial Day Parade for its 96th year, after a two-year hiatus during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
A solemn horse-drawn wagon carried a flag-draped casket with the cremains of a serviceman killed in action, followed by a single riderless horse.
First responders, the heroes of the pandemic, were greeted enthusiastically as lights flashed and sirens whirred.
Honor guards carried the colors proudly under sunny skies, leading the way for parade grand marshal Army General Joseph M. Martin, 37th Vice Chief of Staff, a Dearborn native, and his wife, Leann, who rode together in a sharp grabber blue Ford Mustang convertible along the Michigan Avenue parade route.
In all four divisions of the parade, bands set toes tapping, with the city’s high schools and middle schools well represented, and the Navy Band Great Lakes performing.
Members of the Dearborn Divine Child Marching Band perform May 30 in the 96th annual Dearborn Memorial Day Parade.
Politicians, from the city to the national level, were well represented, from Mayor Abdullah Hammoud and his wife and baby daughter, to the city council, school board trustees, Wayne County commissioners, and state and national representatives.
The newer the politician, the more enthusiastic they seemingly remained throughout the long, hot trek.
An historical funeral procession, complete with a horse-drawn wagon and a flag-draped casket, provided a solemn reminder May 30 during Dearborn’s 96th annual Memorial Day Parade.
Veteran groups, from the Downriver Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 259, to the Veterans of Foreign Wars District 4 riders, demonstrated strength in numbers.
The Redford Union Unicycle Club awed onlookers with their balance, while Scouts and the American Rosie the Riveter Association showed their support along the route.
The Dearborn Historical Museum turned back time, covering the parade route in two vintage autos, while more modern vehicles, including the Stellantis Raminator, impressed with its sheer size.
Parade Grand Marshal Gen. Joseph M. Martin, 37th Vice Chief of Staff of the Army and his wife, Leann, ride in a grabber blue Ford Mustang convertible May 30 in the 96th annual Dearborn Memorial Day Parade.
Special Olympians enthusiastically participated, as did the Dearborn Kiwanis and the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War.
The route ran west on Michigan Avenue, from Schaefer to Henry Ford Centennial Library, offering numerous comfortable spots for residents to watch the parade pass by.
The parade passed the reviewing stand north of the library, and many onlookers went on to the library following the parade, where the Memorial Day Service followed at noon.
An original Rosie rides in a classic Cadillac Eldorado with the American Rosie the Riveter Association May 30 in the 96th annual Dearborn Memorial Day Parade.
Scouts from Sacred Heart Pack 1127 march May 30 in the 96th annual Dearborn Memorial Day Parade.
The Redford Township Unicycle Club entertains along Michigan Avenue May 30 during the 96th annual Dearborn Memorial Day Parade.
The Dearborn High School marching band (above) and Edsel Ford High School Marching Thunderbirds (below) perform May 30 in the 96th annual Dearborn Memorial Day Parade.
Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, Sgt. John S. Cosbey Camp Number 427, Department of Michigan, participate May 30 in the 96th annual Dearborn Memorial Day Parade.