‘Time to remember’: GR holds annual Memorial Day parade

Elena Cousino
·1 min read
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GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — American flags filled the streets of downtown Grand Rapids Saturday morning for the annual Memorial Day Parade.

It started at 10 a.m. on Lyon Street between Monroe Avenue and Ottawa Avenue. The parade then made its way through downtown ending at the Grand Rapids Veterans Memorial Park.

The parade was led by officers from the Grand Rapids Police Department, followed by several veterans, different organizations, the Grand Rapids Fire Department and GRPD’s mounted unit. Families lined the streets to thank the veterans for their service and honor and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedoms.

Eric Nelson, the parade coordinator and Vietnam veteran, said he hopes that everyone will take a moment this holiday weekend to reflect and honor the brave men and women who died fighting for our country.

“It’s a somber time. It’s a time to remember, but have fun with it, because the reason we’re having it is for the people that gave us, they fought for our freedoms. So the least we can do is remember them and our history and our ancestry. I believe that’s a necessary part of today, just take a few seconds today to say, ‘thank you,'” Nelson said.

After the parade, there was a ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park. Attendees were able to hear from student finalists of the United Veterans Council of Kent County’s essay contest, taps and a three-volley salute.

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