The Milford Memorial Day parade will be light on frills and heavy on music and symbolism.
Milford’s annual Memorial Day festivities are light on “frills” and heavy on the music, ceremonies and symbolism that pay tribute to veterans and active military members.
“There are no politicians, no classic cars, no clowns. It’s all about honor, ” said Joe Salvia, parade chairman and commander of Huron Valley American Veterans AMVETS Post 2006. “It’s unique, the quality of content and purpose. It’s all about honoring our war dead and our veterans. We as Americans must remember the men and women who sacrificed their lives. That’s why we have Memorial Day.”
The parade will start at 11 a.m. at the American Legion Post 216,510 W. Commerce St., and will end in Central Park where a brief ceremony with a speaker, rifle salute, taps and flag raising will be held. The parade will include a pipe band, high school and middle school marching bands, dogs representing the War Dog Memorial in South Lyon, military vehicles, color guard, veterans and current members of the military.
Salvia estimates approximately 1,000 veterans will walk or ride in the parade. Veterans who participate in the Milford parade for the first time receive a medal. All veterans in the parade receive a carnation.
Salvia encourages spectators to bring enlarged photos of deceased loved ones who served in the military. He says some walk in the parade, but most show their photos while watching from the sidelines.
A dozen or more military vehicles will be on display beginning at approximately 9 a.m. along Main Street and will join the procession when the parade begins.
“People can take pictures, touch them and engage with the owners, ” Salvia said.
He also expects 10 or more airplanes, including A-10 jets, a B-25 bomber, and AT6 and SNJ single-engine fighters will fly overhead, from 11 a.m.-noon, weather permitting.
Ceremonies with taps, a gun salute and flag raising will be held at 8 a.m. at Highland Cemetery and in Central Park in downtown Milford; at 8: 30 a.m. at Highland Veterans Memorial Park and at Oak Grove Cemetery in Milford; and at 9 a.m. at West Highland Cemetery and at Milford Memorial Cemetery.
For more information visit milfordlegion216.org.
