Publication select ▼
Eastpointe’s Memorial Day parade will pay tribute to military members killed in the line of duty.
File photo by Patricia O’Blenes
ROSEVILLE/EASTPOINTE — Local residents will have the opportunity to honor U.S. military service members this Memorial Day.
On May 27, the cities of Roseville and Eastpointe will hold separate Memorial Day parades to pay tribute to those who died while defending our nation’s freedoms.
Roseville
The Roseville Memorial Day parade will begin at 10 a.m. at Roseville High School, 17855 Common Road, and will travel east to the City Hall complex at 29777 Gratiot Ave. The Roseville Memorial Day Parade Committee consists of volunteers Matt Belz, Giannine Thomson and Laurie Whitton.
“We salute all the veterans that have passed away from Roseville,” Belz said. “That’s why I do it. To honor the fallen heroes. They are why we are able to do what we do. It’s because of (those) who sacrificed their lives that we can be free in our country.”
Weather fanatics will recognize this year’s grand marshal: FOX 2 Chief Meteorologist Rich Luterman.
“He has a military background and was a captain in the Air Force,” Belz said. “That kind of sealed the deal for us.”
Several organizations are returning to the parade this year, as well as some new names.
“A crowd favorite is the Macomb County Sheriff Mounted Division. People love the horses,” Belz said. “The Midwest Jeep Junkies always bring 10-15 Jeeps of all colors. That’s pretty cool to see.”
Music will be part of the festivities with performances from the Roseville High School marching band and band students from both Eastland and Roseville middle schools. Also remembering the fallen soldiers will be members of the Roseville Public Library and the Roseville Optimist Club. And, attendees, bring your sweet tooth.
“The participants will throw candy,” Belz said. “That always goes over real big.”
Belz will join the parade route in a vehicle from Fox Subaru Macomb.
“It’s really cool to see all the kids, the pets,” he said. “Everyone is in really good cheer that day. The people support their local parade and their veterans.”
After the parade, everyone is invited to gather at City Hall for a Memorial Day ceremony set to include a police honor guard. Guest speakers will include Roseville Mayor Robert Taylor and members of the Fraser Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 6691.
Eastpointe
The 2024 Memorial Day parade will begin at 11 a.m. at the Michigan Military Technical & Historical Society, 16600 Stephens Drive, and travel to Spindler Park, 19400 Stephens Drive.
Mayor Pro Tem Cardi DeMonaco Jr. is on the parade committee with Chris Causley, Ron Tomala and Macomb County Commissioner Sarah Lucido, D-District 13.
“I’m hoping we can celebrate our country each year. I hope (people) pull up a chair somewhere on Stephens and watch,” DeMonaco Jr. said. “I think it’s great that each year we have the Memorial Day parade to think about those who gave their lives for the freedoms in our country.”
The parade went through a bit of a down phase a few years ago because of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to DeMonaco Jr., just 14 participants were in the parade two years ago. At press time, about 50 groups had registered to participate this year.
“Which is on par with last year,” DeMonaco Jr. said. “I’m happy to see so many different people interested in the parade again. People were happy to get out and be a part of the community and the parade.”
Leo Lalonde, who wears three hats — Eastpointe resident, former state legislator and military veteran — will be the grand marshal. Once the parade route reaches Spindler Park, there will be a ceremony to reflect on the meaning of Memorial Day.
“We have big sponsors that help make it happen,” DeMonaco Jr. said, which make it possible for the Department of Public Works and Police Department to block off the road and help with the ceremony at Spindler Park.
This year’s sponsors include the Southeast Michigan Chamber of Commerce, JARS Cannabis and the city’s engineering firm, Anderson, Eckstein and Westrick Inc. DeMonaco Jr. also mentioned several residents who volunteer with the event, including Craig Wodecki, Kathy DiCenzo, Kat and Nicola Strong, and Mickey Buczak.
At press time, the Eastpointe Lions Club, Girls on the Run, Urban Seed, Immanuel United Methodist Church clowns, Macomb Elks Lodge No. 2292, Odd Fellows No. 496 and Rebekah’s No. 499, the City of Eastpointe Beautification Commission, and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan were among the many groups scheduled to walk the parade route this year.
You May Also Be Interested In
