Dearborn’s Annual Memorial Day Parade set to return for its 97th year on Monday, May 29

The parade will follow a new route in west Dearborn due to construction on Michigan Ave

The City of Dearborn and the Dearborn Allied War Veterans Council will host Michigan’s oldest Memorial Day Parade, now in its 97^th year, on Monday, May 29. The parade honors veterans and those who gave the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

Evan Ahlin, City of Dearborn’s Veteran Liaison, stated, “It is an honor to be a part of the planning process for the 97th Memorial Day parade. The purpose of Memorial Day is to remember those service members who made the ultimate sacrifice, including the 347 service members from Dearborn who have been killed in action.”

As one of the largest Memorial Day parades in the United States, the event features over 80 regional officials, marching bands, and community groups.

The route has changed this year due to planned MDOT construction, and the Parade Route will move westward on Michigan Ave, beginning at Nowlin St and ending at S. Brady St.

Public traffic will be closed on the following roads for the duration of the parade on May 29:

-Michigan Ave (eastbound and westbound) between W Outer Drive and Evergreen Rd

-S Brady Street between Michigan Ave and Cherry Hill Rd

-Garrison Place

The parade will begin at approximately 9:30 a.m. with a military funeral procession. The Grand Marshal and parade groups will follow. It will conclude with a Remembrance Ceremony in honor of the fallen.
 
The Remembrance Ceremony will take place on the lawn of the Dearborn Historical Museum at noon. The public is welcome to attend.

This year’s lead marching band is the “Governor’s Own” 126th Army Band of the Michigan National Guard.

Mayor Abdullah H. Hammoud stated, “We have a new route this year, but we look forward to honoring the service and sacrifice of our service men and women, and their families, and are grateful for the ways in which our veteran community continues to inspire our city through public service.”

How to participate

Military and veterans groups, marching bands, and community and school groups from Dearborn and the neighboring communities can apply to participate in the 97th annual parade. Applications and the Hold Harmless Agreements, included below, are to be submitted no later than Friday, April 14, 2023. Paper versions can always be picked up from the Dearborn Administrative Center, 16901 Michigan Ave.

Dearborn Memorial Day Participant Application

Hold Harmless Agreement

Commander Scott Rumfield of the Dearborn Allied War Veterans Council stated, “The City of Dearborn has a long history of supporting and working with our veterans. Our Memorial Day Parade and remembrance ceremony is an opportunity for us to remember those who fought to uphold our civil liberties and honor their sacrifice. We do it so they are never forgotten.”
 
Sponsorships

Any individual or business interested in becoming a sponsor of the parade can contact Erica Marra, Special Event Outreach Manager, at [email protected]. For more information, visit cityofdearborn.org/memorialdayparade