Members of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 552, along with American Legion Post 67 and its Auxiliary and Sons of the American Legion wave to attendees during the Lincoln Park Memorial Day Parade May 17 on Fort Street.
The symbolism of a fallen comrade table is explained May 17 during the Lincoln Park Memorial Day remembrance service.
By SUE SUCHYTA
Sunday Times Newspapers
LINCOLN PARK – Fire trucks, floats and parade participants created a patriotic, festive atmosphere on Fort Street May 17, followed by a meaningful Memorial Day remembrance service at Memorial Park.
Parade participants threw generous amounts of candy to the children lining the route, while Shriners entertained in miniature cars and first responders wailed vehicle sirens and flashed red and blue lights.
Parade participants included Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 552 and American Legion Post 67, along with its Auxiliary and the Sons of the American Legion.
The Vietnam Veterans of America Downriver Chapter 259 had a festive float, as did the GI Joe’s Military Display.
A Michigan chapter of the World War II Rosies participated, along with U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell, U.S. Rep. Shri Thanedar, Lincoln Park Mayor Maureen Tobin, City Clerk Kerry Kehrer and City Council members.
An impressive lineup of Jeeps filled the parade route, followed later by a contingent of classic cars.
Families involved in the city’s Little League showed up in droves, followed by the Lincoln Park High School Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps drill team and the Lincoln Park High School marching band and flag corps.
Families from St. John Paul II classical Catholic school walked the parade route, followed by members of Lincoln Park Masonic Lodge 539, and Hands of the City, a community volunteer group.
Following the parade, the LPHS band played the national anthem while residents gathered near the city’s war memorial for a remembrance service, led by participants from local VFW groups and American Legion Post 67, along with its Auxiliary and the Sons of the American Legion.
The symbolism of a prisoner of war/missing in action table was explained, including the empty chair, the blood red rose, a bitter slice of lemon, a pinch of salt to represent tears shed, an inverted glass representing the missing person’s inability to share a toast with their comrades, a candle to represent the light of hope, and a Bible to represent strength gained through faith.
Tobin spoke to those assembled, followed by a reading of the names of the city’s fallen war heroes and the tolling of a bell for each name by Councilmembers Jason Behr and Jason Nichols, as well as City Manager/Finance Director Lisa Griggs and City Clerk Kerry Kehrer.
Wreaths were placed in front of the monument by veteran and civic groups, followed by a gun salute and the playing of the anthems of the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard, asking veterans to stand when their branch was recognized.
Children scramble for candy as a fire truck leads the Lincoln Park Memorial Day Parade May 17 down Fort Street to the city’s War Memorial.
Members of the Vietnam Veterans of America Downriver Chapter 259 participate in the Lincoln Park Memorial Day Parade May 17 on Fort Street.
Participants honor fallen veterans during the Lincoln Park Memorial Day Parade May 17 on Fort Street.
Families participating in the Lincoln Park Little League demonstrate a strong presence during the Lincoln Park Memorial Day Parade May 17 on Fort Street.
The Lincoln Park High School Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps provides a color guard during the Lincoln Park Memorial Day Parade May 17 on Fort Street.
Members of the Lincoln Park High School marching band perform during the Lincoln Park Memorial Day Parade May 17 on Fort Street.
Flags decorate a patriotic float during the Lincoln Park Memorial Day Parade May 17 on Fort Street.
Above and below, Shriners entertain attendees during the Lincoln Park Memorial Day Parade May 17 on Fort Street.
Community volunteer group Hands of the City participates in the Lincoln Park Memorial Day Parade May 17 on Fort Street.
Above and below, the Lincoln Park High School band plays the National Anthem May 17 during the city’s Memorial Day remembrance service.
A wreath is placed next to the Lincoln Park War Memorial May 17 during the city’s Memorial Day remembrance service.
Lincoln Park Mayor Maureen Tobin speaks May 17 during the city’s Memorial Day remembrance service.
City Councilmember Jason Behr (right) reads names of fallen military personnel while Councilmember Jason Nichols rings a bell for each name read May 17 during the city’s Memorial Day remembrance service.
Lincoln Park City Manager/Finance Director Lisa Griggs (right) reads names of fallen military personnel while City Clerk Kerry Kehrer rings a bell for each name read May 17 during the city’s Memorial Day remembrance service.
Veterans offer a military gun salute May 17 during Lincoln Park’s Memorial Day remembrance service.
Flags fill Memorial Park May 17 during Lincoln Park’s Memorial Day remembrance service.