CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) RESOURCE CENTER Read More
Add To Favorites

Memorial Day Festival celebrates veterans

Edwardsburg Argus - 6/1/2017

June 01--The colors of red, white and blue flooded the streets of downtown Edwardsburg at the annual Memorial Day parade and festival Monday.

The parade, led by local veterans, weaved its way down U.S. Highway 12 and then down to the cemetery to place memorial flags. Many businesses, organizations and individuals took part in the parade. Some of those who rolled down Main Street include Miss Edwardsburg, the Lions Club, The Edwardsburg High School band and the Boy Scouts and the Girl Scouts of America.

The parade made a brief stop at the Edwardsburg History Museum for a presentation and flag ceremony performed by the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. The Edwardsburg High School band played taps, and a gun salute was performed.

Commander of American Legion Post 365 Bill Rauch recited a poem at the ceremony entitled "The Yearbook," which discussed the horrors veterans face and the sacrifices that they make.

"The important part of my speech was to remember all the veterans that gave us the right to have the freedom that we have," Rauch said afterward. "Sometimes, war is not free and it takes lives. That's what today is about, to remember them."

Commander of the Edwardsburg VFW Bill Constance also recited poetry at the ceremony.

After the parade and flag ceremony, a Memorial Day festival sponsored by the Edwardsburg Chamber of Commerce was held in Gunn Park. Many vendors and local businesses set up booths at the event, such as online retailer LuLaRoe, Jaded Creations and veteran's relief organization Heroes Care. For the kids, the festival had a dunk tank, bounce house and airbrush tattoo artist. The Boy Scouts of America sold hot dogs and snacks at the event.

"[The purpose of the festival is to] have everyone come together on Memorial Day and have fun and fellowship," said organizer Roy Smothermon.

Even with all of the fun and activities that took place in Edwardsburg on Monday, the veterans who helped organize the day want to reminded residents that the true purpose of Memorial Day is to remember those who have given their lives in service of the country.

Mike McKinley, a member of both the VFW and the American Legion, whose father was a World War II veteran, believes that everyone who comes out to enjoy the festivities should take a moment to thank a veteran.

"We couldn't be here if it wasn't for the guys who fought," McKinley said. "It's important for our kids to grow up and learn what the flag is about and to learn about the people who fought, be it their grandfathers, great-grandfathers, mothers, fathers, brothers or sisters."

___

(c)2017 the Edwardsburg Argus, Mich.

Visit the Edwardsburg Argus, Mich. at http://leaderpub.com/category/news/edwardsburg

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.