For lots of folks, Memorial Day is just a day off work or school, an opportunity to barbecue with family and friends or a chance to enjoy a three-day weekend up north.
Although the holiday has become the official start of the fun summer season, we must never forget that its main purpose is to honor those men and women in the Armed Forces who have given their lives for our liberty and security.
Oxford and Addison residents will have two opportunities to pay tribute to those who gave up all of their tomorrows for our today.
On Saturday, May 29, there will be a Memorial Day ceremony in Addison Township’s Lakeville Cemetery, located on E. Drahner Rd. Gathering will begin at 11 a.m. with the ceremony commencing at 12 noon.
Due to parking constraints, a shuttle bus will transport people from the Addison Township complex and Lakeville United Methodist Church to the cemetery beginning at 10:30 a.m.
Organized annually by the Lakeville Cemetery Auxiliary Society, the event will feature a variety of speakers, patriotic music, flag-raising and wreath-laying ceremonies, a 21-gun salute and prayers.
A luncheon will follow the ceremony.
The Addison ceremony will also be part of the 100 birthday celebration for the Lakeville Cemetery Auxiliary Society (see related story left).
Oxford’s Memorial Day festivities will begin in downtown’s Centennial Park at 10 a.m. sharp on Monday, May 31.
Carnie Jackson, commander of the American Legion Department of Michigan, will be this year’s guest speaker.
As usual, the park ceremony will consist of the Oxford High School Marching Band playing patriotic music; wreaths being laid at the various monuments honoring the fallen heroes of America’s wars; and a roll call ceremony in which local scouts place dog tags on white crosses representing Oxford soldiers who have fought and died in conflicts ranging from the Civil War to Vietnam.
Following the park ceremony, there will be a parade heading north on S. Washington St. (M-24), then west on W. Burdick St.
Oxford’s parade will end at the Ridgelawn Memorial Cemetery with the laying of a wreath, prayers, the playing of Taps and a 21-gun salute.
Please take some time this weekend to attend one of these ceremonies and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for all of us. Let it not be in vain.
? Editor C.J. Carnacchio