2023 Memorial Day Events

Honoring and respecting those who gave the ultimate sacrifice in the U.S. Military, Memorial Day is a day to reflect and celebrate those heroes. Originally dubbed, Decoration Day, the honors began during the American Civil War and then after World War I, the event evolved into Memorial Day as a way to observe and honor those who have died in all U.S. Wars. All around Metro Detroit, there will be parades, festivals and more.

For the past 97 years, Michigan’s oldest Memorial Day Parade takes place in the City of Dearborn on Monday, May 29. The parade begins at 9:30 a.m. with a military funeral procession. The Grand Marshal and parade groups to follow. The lead marching band will be the “Governor’s Own” 126th Army Band of the Michigan National Guard. The parade features more than 80 regional officials, marching bands and community groups. The parade concludes with a Remembrance Ceremony.

The St. Clair Memorial Day Parade takes place on Sunday, May 28 and runs along Jefferson Avenue from Nine Mile to 11 Mile Road. Military and Veteran groups along with high school marching bands, public officials and plenty more will be in the parade honoring our departed U.S. Veterans.

On Monday, May 29, the Annual Memorial Day Service at Resurrection Cemetery takes place at 18201 Clinton River Road in Clinton Township. Starting in Section 55, there will be a service to dedicate Veteran inscription tablets in the Veterans section of the cemetery. Also, on Monday, the Sterling Heights Memorial Day Parade takes place on Utica Road. The starting point is the City Center parking lot.

The Southfield Memorial Day Ceremony takes place on Friday, May 26 at Southfield City Hall. The Royal Oak Memorial Day Parade has been held on Memorial Day for several decades as a respectful tribute our veterans - past and present. The 2023 parade begins at 9:00 am on Main Street at Lincoln on Monday, May 29. The Memorial Day Ceremony immediately follows.

There are dozens of parades in and around the Metro Area and a quick Internet search will show ones close to your community. The main point of the federal holiday is to show respect for long lost Veterans who gave their all. The weekend event has also turned into an unofficial weekend to open pools, clean up the garden and light the grill. There will also be many events in and around the area for pre and post parade and memorials.

The Greater Rochester Heritage Days Festival takes place Saturday, May 27 and Sunday, May 28 at Rochester Municipal Park. The family-friendly event features a car festival, a pioneer playground for kids, art show, plant sales and more.

Detroit offers the Sampled Memorial Weekend – a music festival at the Marble Bar on Holden Street. The fun begins on Sunday, May 28 with music from artists including Gene Farris, Doc Martin, Mark Farina and many others. VIP tickets are available. Food will be provided by the Obi Sushi food popup.

The Royal Oak Beer, Wine & Cocktail Festival takes place on Saturday, May 27 beginning at 5:00 p.m. at #TheLuckyCorner – Memorial Park – home to the Royal Oak Leprechauns. The event is located at 31050 Woodward Avenue in Royal Oak. Attendees can sample 150-plus craft beers, wine and cocktails. Music and fun will be provided for the 21 and over event. There will also be a Cornhole Tournament but check in by 4:00 p.m. to take part. They are also in need of volunteers for the event sponsored by RO Social Events.

On Wednesday, May 24, the 17th Annual Michigan Fallen Heroes Memorial Cookout takes place in Pontiac. The event runs from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Michigan Fallen Heroes Memorial. Tickets are $7 in advance and $10 at the gate.

Taking a moment to honor those who sacrificed it all for our freedoms on Memorial Day is the top priority. Enjoying that freedom is key as well. Check out this link for more events in your area.