For lots of folks, Memorial Day has become just a day off from 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 evolved into the official start of summer, we must never forget that the main purpose of Memorial Day is to honor those brave, selfless men and women in the Armed Forces who gave their lives for liberty, security and peace with honor.
With that in mind, the 102-year-old Lakeville Cemetery Auxiliary will host its annual Memorial Day ceremony on Saturday, May 26 in Lakeville Cemetery on E. Drahner Rd.
Gathering for the event will begin at 11:30 a.m. and the ceremony will start at 12 noon. It will feature speakers, patriotic music provided by Oxford Middle School choir students, flag-raising and wreath-laying ceremonies, a 21-gun salute and prayers.
Oxford resident Scott Sutphin will play the bagpipes while Lauri Hoffman, of Addison, will perform a vocal solo.
A potluck luncheon will follow. Please bring a dish to pass. Meat and beverages will be provided. Folks are encouraged to please bring lawn chairs.
Oxford’s Memorial Day observance will take place on Monday, May 28 in downtown’s Centennial Park at 10 a.m.
This year’s guest speaker will be Oakland County Commissioner Beth Nuccio, who represents District 1.
As usual, the park ceremony will consist of the Oxford High School Marching Band playing patriotic music; a wreath-laying ceremony involving the various monuments honoring the fallen heroes of America’s wars; and a roll call ceremony during which local scouts place dog tags on white crosses representing all of the Oxford soldiers who 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 private Ridgelawn Memorial Cemetery on the north side of W. Burdick St.
The ceremony in the cemetery will consist of a wreath-laying, prayers, the playing of Taps and a 21-gun salute.
Please take some time this weekend to attend one of these ceremonies and honor all those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country and our future.
Lest we forget. CJC