The 2023 Dearborn Memorial Day Parade will be held May 29 in downtown west Dearborn because of construction on Michigan Avenue.
Parade will follow a new route in west Dearborn due to construction on Michigan Ave.
DEARBORN – The city and the Dearborn Allied War Veterans Council will host Michigan’s oldest Memorial Day Parade, now in its 97th year, on May 29. The parade honors veterans and those who gave the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.
As one of the largest Memorial Day parades in the United States, the event features over 80 regional officials, marching bands and community groups.
The route has changed this year due to planned MDOT construction, and the Parade Route will move westward on Michigan Avenue from at Nowlin Street to South Brady Street.
Public traffic will be closed on the following roads for the duration of the parade:
• Michigan Avenue (both directions) between West Outer Drive and Evergreen Road.
• South Brady Street between Michigan Avenue and Cherry Hill Road.
• Garrison Place.
The parade will begin about 9:30 a.m. with a military funeral procession. The grand marshal and parade groups will follow. It will conclude with a Remembrance Ceremony in honor of the fallen at noon on the lawn of the Dearborn Historical Museum, 915 S. Brady. The public is invited.
This year’s lead marching band is the “Governor’s Own” 126th Army Band of the Michigan National Guard.
“It is an honor to be a part of the planning process for the 97th Memorial Day parade,” said Evan Ahlin, city of Dearborn’s veteran liaison. “The purpose of Memorial Day is to remember those service members who made the ultimate sacrifice, including the 347 service members from Dearborn who have been killed in action.”
“We have a new route this year, but we look forward to honoring the service and sacrifice of our service men and women, and their families, and are grateful for the ways in which our veteran community continues to inspire our city through public service,” Mayor Abdullah Hammoud said.
“The city of Dearborn has a long history of supporting and working with our veterans,” DAWVC Commander Scott Rumfield said. “Our Memorial Day Parade and remembrance ceremony is an opportunity for us to remember those who fought to uphold our civil liberties and honor their sacrifice. We do it so they are never forgotten.”
How to participate
Military and veterans groups, marching bands, and community and school groups from Dearborn and the neighboring communities can apply to participate in the parade. Applications and the Hold Harmless Agreements must be submitted by April 14. Paper versions can be picked up from the Dearborn Administrative Center, 16901 Michigan Ave.
Sponsorships
Any individual or business interested in becoming a sponsor of the parade can contact Special Event Outreach Manager Erica Marra at [email protected] For more information, click here.