Shelby, Utica host Memorial Day ceremonies in remembrance

SHELBY TOWNSHIP/UTICA — Shelby Township hosted its Memorial Day ceremony on May 26 at the Shelby Township Veterans Memorial, and Utica hosted its ceremony at Memorial Park downtown on the same day in remembrance of all those who died in service to the nation.

This year’s ceremony in Shelby Township began with a welcome from Shelby Township Supervisor Rick Stathakis, who expressed the township’s gratitude toward those who died while serving in the nation’s military, and all who served.

“Memorial Day is a time for us to come together as a community and pay tribute to the brave men and women who have given their lives in service to our nation. It is an honor to stand alongside our veterans and their families as we remember their sacrifice and reflect on the freedoms we enjoy today,” Stathakis said in a press release.

Phil Randazzo, the Shelby Township veterans event coordinator and a Vietnam combat veteran, also delivered remarks at the ceremony. Randazzo is a recipient of two Purple Hearts and two Bronze Stars for Valor and the 2020 Macomb County Veteran of the Year.

“Memorial Day holds a special place in our hearts as we remember the brave souls who have given everything for our freedom. Their sacrifices will never be forgotten, and it’s our duty to honor their memory and ensure that their legacy lives on,” Randazzo said in a press release.

The ceremony included placement of a memorial wreath and music. “The Star-Spangled Banner” was performed by Pete Powinski and Ken Kazmierski. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Boy Scout Troop No. 156 and Assistant Scoutmaster Raymond Jahn, of Trail Life USA Troop MI 1776, alongside the Rev. Jason Jackson, of Brookside Missionary Baptist Church. Dr. Philip Krist, of Lakeside Assembly of God, delivered the invocation.

Stephen Sierawski, chief judge of the 41A District Court in Sterling Heights, was the honored speaker at the ceremony.

“I honored my father who survived the Battle of Okinawa in World War II. My son Pat Sierawski read a letter detailing the horrific battle. My father received two Bronze Stars and the Purple Heart for his heroism. My father suffered nightmares until his death some 50 years later. The Sierawski family has served in combat for three generations in a row. I served in Operation Desert Storm and my son Anthony served two deployments to Afghanistan. He is presently a major in the Marine Corps and will take over the command of (the) Marine One helicopter unit this summer. We are proud of our service to our country,” Sierawski said.   

Patriotic songs from the Lakeside Assembly of God Church Choir were played, and the ceremony concluded with a 21-gun salute from the Shelby Township Police Department Honor Guard and taps performed by Tim Waage. A siren salute from the Fire Department and Police Department was the ceremony’s final tribute.

Mayor Gus Calandrino attended Utica’s Memorial Day ceremony.

“This year, we were honored to have United States Navy Petty Officer John Harris as our special guest. Petty Officer Harris spoke to the crowd about the importance of honoring those who lost their life to defend our freedom and liberty,” Calandrino said.

Members of the American Legion Post 351 and the Marine Corps League participated in ceremony, which included a color guard, taps and a gun salute.

“As a U.S. Navy veteran, I value Utica’s rich history of honoring our veterans. I was privileged to present, for the first time, our official Purple Heart City designation at Memorial Park. Utica’s Purple Heart Trail extends from Memorial Park to the American Legion Post on Cass Avenue. It is a symbolic and literal connection between the city of Utica and its cherished veterans,” he said.