By Meredith Mayberry
Staff Writer
Lt. Col. David St. Aubin will be the keynote speaker at this year’s Memorial Day observance in Ortonville.
‘I want to concentrate on what Memorial Day is actually about,? St. Aubin, principal of Goodrich High School, said. ‘Most of the time, people spend the day with family and friends, but they forget it’s because of the people who fight for their country that they’re able to do that.?
St. Aubin, who recently served a year in Iraq before returning to Goodrich last December, said he hopes his speech reminds the community of the importance of veterans? struggles and sacrifices.
Along with St. Aubin’s keynote speech, the ceremony will involve the dedication of a new Veterans Memorial, which is dedicated to area veterans who lost their lives.
The observance for the Village of Ortonville, Brandon, and Groveland Township will begin at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, May 31, at the Old Town Hall. The parade participants will march to the Ortonville Cemetery on M-15, where the main ceremonies will take place.
The ceremony will feature a fly-over by the U.S. Air Force A-10 ‘Warthog? ground support aircraft and an artillery salute.
All veterans are invited to participate in the parade and ceremonies. Transportation will be provided for veterans who are no longer able to complete the march on foot, and volunteers are needed to carry the service flags during the parade.
The donning of uniforms is desired, but not required.
All scout troops or packs and other civic organizations are invited to participate in the parade with marching units. Participants should meet no later than 9 a.m. at the Old Town Hall, 486 Mill St., Ortonville.
Contact: Ron Turnbull at 248-627-2447 or Lee Stewart 248-627-3324.