Memorial Day in Dexter Pays Tribute to Fallen Soldiers

Crowds of Dexter residents lined the streets of downtown on Monday to catch a glimpse of fire trucks, classic cars and over a dozen local businesses and organizations during the annual Memorial Day parade.

Though the parade was scheduled for 10 a.m., every block of Main Street was filled with eager onlookers an hour before festivities began.

“We’ve been watching the parade for years,” Al Rendzio, a World War II veteran from Ann Arbor said.

Bob Conlin of Pinckney, a Korean War veteran, said he enjoys coming to Dexter on Memorial Day to celebrate with friends at the American Legion Hall and to watch the parade.

“It’s a lot of fun to see everyone come together on this day,” he said.

Jarrod Marsh, of Dexter, who served in the U.S. Marines, said the solemn day serves as a reminder of his comrades who were killed in action.

“I think about all the guys that aren’t here anymore,” he said. “I want my kids to know how important Memorial Day is — it’s something we should all pay attention to.”

Diane Bohn of Dexter agreed.

“Today is a day to remember those who protect our country. I think people get so caught up with the excitement that they forget what we’re really celebrating,” she said. “This is our time to stop and reflect upon those men and women who put their lives on the line defending our country.”

While attendees praised this year’s parade, several said they were sad to see the Memorial Day program and speaker, which has been a tradition for decades, eliminated this year. The American Legion decided to forego the program, which is traditionally held at Monument Park.

“It’s disappointing that they chose not to have a speaker this year,” Jone Wireman said. “It was great to see everyone gather together, but we really liked the program.”

Carol Shaw of Lansing, said she hopes next year’s festivities will include a presentation.

“Not having a program is a big downer,” she said. “Memorial Day is not about throwing candy to children.”

Shaw said every year she comes to Dexter to visit gravesites, attend the parade and visit with friends.

Village President Shawn Keough said keeping the holiday tradition in Dexter is very important.

“Memorial Day is a very special day, not only across the country but here in Dexter,” he said. “For the last 60 years the American Legion and the village have gotten together to hold a nice parade and ceremony. This year we got everyone together downtown to pay our respects, to remember and to be together and have a little bit of fun.”