Monday, May 25 is the unofficial start of the summer season, which means barbecues, beaches and boating.
But let us not forget that Monday is also Memorial Day, a time to honor the countless soldiers, Marines, sailors and airmen who sacrificed their lives at home and around the world to keep America free and secure, and liberate the oppressed from tyrants and totalitarian ideologies.
Oxford and Addison residents are encouraged to take a break from the start of their summer fun and attend one of their local Memorial Day observances.
The Lakeville Cemetery Auxiliary will conduct its ceremony on Saturday, May 23 beginning at 12 noon.
Folks are asked to begin gathering in Lakeville Cemetery on Drahner Rd., just west of Walker Rd., at 11:30 a.m.
The ceremony will consist of vocal and instrumental musical performances, prayers, speeches, the placing of a memorial wreath and a 21-gun salute.
Lunch will follow. Hamburgers, hot dogs and beverages will be furnished. Please bring a dish to pass.
Oxford will conduct its Memorial Day observance on Monday, May 25 at 10 a.m. in downtown’s Centennial Park.
The ceremony will include speeches, the laying of memorial wreaths and the placing of dog tags on white crosses representing all those sons of Oxford who were killed in conflicts ranging from the Civil War to the Vietnam War.
This year’s guest speaker will be Oxford Township Supervisor Bill Dunn, a U.S. Air Force veteran who served in the Vietnam War.
Following the ceremony, the Memorial Day parade will take place along S. Washington (M-24) and W. Burdick streets. The parade will end at Ridgelawn Memorial Cemetery located on the north side of W. Burdick St.
The cemetery ceremony will include prayers, placement of a wreath, the playing of ‘Taps? and a 21-gun salute.

Oxford and Addison residents are encouraged to take some time away from their barbecues and recreational activities over Memorial Day weekend to remember all those soldiers, sailors and airmen who sacrificed their lives in the noble cause of freedom.
The Lakeville Cemetery Auxiliary will conduct its Memorial Day ceremony on Saturday, May 25 beginning at 12 noon.
Folks are asked to begin gathering in the Lakeville Cemetery on Drahner Rd., just east of Walker Rd., at 11:30 a.m.
The ceremony will consist of a flag-raising, patriotic music courtesy of Oxford Middle School choir students and the U.S. Army Band, the placing of a memorial wreath and a speech by state Sen. Jim Marleau (R-Lake Orion).
Lauri Lowe will sing the National Anthem, Cemetery Auxiliary President Marlene Mallia will do a reading and Addison Township Supervisor Bruce Pearson will dedicate the state marker officially designating Lakeville Cemetery as an historic site.
Lunch will follow the ceremony.
Oxford will conduct its Memorial Day observance on Monday, May 27 beginning at 10 a.m. in downtown’s Centennial Park. The ceremony will include speeches, the laying of memorial wreaths and the placing of dog tags on white crosses representing all those sons of Oxford who were killed in conflicts from the Civil War through the Vietnam War.
This year’s guest speaker is Clarkston resident Doug Moniaci, a Vietnam veteran and Purple Heart recipient.
Following the ceremony, the Memorial Day parade will take place along S. Washington St. (M-24) and W. Burdick St.
The parade will end at the Oxford Township cemetery located on the south side of W. Burdick St. At the cemetery, prayers will be said, a wreath will be laid, ‘Taps? will be played and a 21-gun military salute will be fired to honor the fallen.

For lots of folks, Memorial Day is 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 become the official start of summer, we must never forget that its main purpose is to honor those men and women in the Armed Forces who gave 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 28, there will be a Memorial Day ceremony in Addison Township’s Lakeville Cemetery, located on E. Drahner Rd.
Organized annually by the 101-year-old Lakeville Cemetery Auxiliary, the event will begin at 12 noon and feature speakers, patriotic music provided by Oxford choir students, flag-raising and wreath-laying ceremonies, a 21-gun salute and prayers.
A potluck luncheon will follow the ceremony. Please bring a dish to pass. Meat and drink will be furnished.
Oxford’s Memorial Day observance will begin in downtown’s Centennial Park at 10 a.m. on Monday, May 30.
This year’s guest speakers are Oxford Village President Teri Stiles and Oxford resident Kasie Jeffery, 10, who holds the title of Junior Miss Poppy for the American Legion’s 18th District.
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 scouts place dog tags on white crosses representing 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 on the south side of the township cemetery. The ceremony in the cemetery will consist of a wreath-laying, the playing of Taps and a 21-gun salute.
Jim Parkhurst, past commander of American Legion Post 108, noted those wishing to help place flags at the gravesites of local veterans are invited to meet at the Legion hall (130 E. Drahner Rd.) at 8 a.m. on Saturday, May 28. From there, everyone will depart for the cemeteries.
Please take some time this weekend to attend one of these ceremonies and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Lest we forget. ? Editor C.J. Carnacchio