TL/DR –
Jenison, a community in Grand Rapids, Michigan, held its annual Memorial Day parade and ceremony to honor veterans on May 27. The parade started at 9 a.m. and was followed by a ceremony at the Georgetown Township Cemetery, which included an address by Lt. Col. Denny Gillem. Close to 120 people attended the ceremony, during which Gillem thanked fellow veterans and affirmed that “this country is a gift from God”.
Jenison Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony Honor Veterans
On Monday, May 27, Jenison conducted its annual Memorial Day parade and ceremony, honoring the veterans. Starting at 9 a.m., the parade went from Baldwin Street and 20th Avenue onto Cottonwood Drive, culminating in a ceremony at Georgetown Township Cemetery.
Before the parade, community members, undeterred by a light rain, lined Baldwin Street. One regular attendee, Dawn Lynema, shared her enthusiasm, “It’s just fun. Rain or shine, I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”
Veterans led the parade while spectators broke out in applause to celebrate their service. The parade was marked with laughter, cheers, candy distribution, honking cars, firetrucks, and patriotic music from parade floats.
Ron Van Surksum, a parade organizer, highlighted the significance, stating, “It centers around Memorial Day and veterans, and honoring those who served. It’s about community.”
At the ceremony, an audience of roughly 120 gathered at the cemetery. Vietnam veteran Ron Hadley, wearing his veteran’s hat and kind smile, conversed about his experience of being a veteran on Memorial Day. “I always feel honored to march in the parade and enjoy the people that are willing to honor Memorial Day.”
Lt. Col. Denny Gillem expressed gratitude to the attendees, stating, “This country is a gift from God…We are the wealthiest and have the most opportunity of any other country in the world.”
The ceremony concluded with “America the Beautiful” played by Jenison High School students, a moment of silence, “Taps,” and a retiring of the colors performed by Boy Scout Troop #354.
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