Scenes from Lowell: Memorial Day Edition

Memorial Day weekend is often a time for friends and family to welcome the unofficial start to summer.  It’s a three-day weekend for many.  But it’s also a time to remember those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for our country.
Prior to the holiday weekend Boy Scout Troop 102 puts flags in Oakwood Cemetery at every grave of someone who was in the military.  Over 400 flags were placed.  Scout Master Clay VanderWarf says, “By being part of Memorial Day I hope the boys take away the feeling of being part of the community and it’s gratitude to service members who made the ultimate sacrifice in defending our nation. I know the veterans appreciate it as we always get compliments and thank yous from them in regards to our participation.”

Current and former members of the military receive salutes, applauds, and cheers as they pass by during the Memorial Day parade.

Both Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts march in the parade.  Both groups dedicate a lot of time volunteering in the community.

Both the Middle School and High School Bands participated in the parade.  This was the first opportunity the Middle School students have to march in a parade.

City Councilmembers Greg Canfield and Jim Hodges, as well as Mayor Mike DeVore along with City Manager Mike Burns walked the parade route.

The Memorial Day parade travels down Main Street before taking a left on Monroe to head to the cemetery.  There’s a stop at the Veteran’s Memorial on Main Street for a brief ceremony.  The parade then continues to the Oakwood Cemetery where another ceremony takes place.  Dave Thompson of the American Legion leads both observances.  At the cemetery the names of those in the military who have been buried at Oakwood Cemetery since the previous Memorial Day are read with a bell rung after each name.

We at Lowell’s First Look hope you enjoyed the weather, grilling, yard work, time with friends and family, in addition to taking a moment to remember why Memorial Day is a national holiday and not just a three-day weekend.

1 Comment

  1. Love all of this and surly miss all these great things going on and all the great people of Lowell. Born on center street and raised on west st . I really appreciate all of the pictures

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