Memorial Day celebrations across Metro Detroit took place Monday with bright sunshine and blue skies.
In Royal Oak, a fire truck and the Honor Guard led the parade, down Main Street, that included members of the military, Royal Oak Middle School and High School marching bands, first responders and people from other schools and community groups.
Lisa Heintz of Ferndale, a Gold Star mom, participated in memory of her son, senior airman Joshua.
"My son and all of the other men and women that not only died in service, but those that still currently serve or served gave them the right to enjoy today so I want them to enjoy it, but to remember them," Heintz told WWJ's Jon Hewett.
Heintz said her son should be remembered for "being a friend to all." He took is own life on Veterans Day 2013 after coming home from deployment in the Middle East.
"So many others did go do things that I didn't have to do and here I am getting all the honor," parade Grand Marshal and Korean War veteran Jim Converse, 96, told Hewett. Converse said he prays for those who didn't come home.
A ceremony was planned at the War Memorial in Centennial Commons after the parade.
Governor Whitmer ordered flags to be flown at half staff from dawn until noon.
“On Memorial Day, Michiganders come together from across the state to honor the memory of the fallen heroes who fought for our freedoms,” said Governor Whitmer in a statement. “Those who represent us in uniform are the best of us and put their lives on the line every day to protect our freedom and our communities. Today, we remember those we have lost, honor the sacrifices of the fallen and commit ourselves to keep fighting for our veterans, servicemembers, and their families.”
"On Memorial Day, we pause as a nation to honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country,” said U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Paul D. Rogers, adjutant general and director of the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs in a statement. “Their courage, selflessness and unwavering commitment to protecting the freedoms we hold dear must never be forgotten. As we lower our flags to half-staff, we reflect on the profound cost of liberty and stand united in remembrance of those who gave their lives in defense of our nation. We also extend our deepest gratitude to the families who carry their legacy forward each day.”
Dearborn, Sterling Heights, Northville, Novi, and Plymouth were among the cities holding parades on Monday morning.
