The first ever Memorial Day was recognized on May 30, 1868 as Decoration Day following the Civil War. It didn’t become an official federal holiday until 1971. Memorial Day honors the brave men and women who have sacrificed their lives in service to our country. Memorial Day reminds us of the high price of freedom and the debt of gratitude we owe to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. It is a day to reflect on their sacrifice and to honor their memory with gratitude. Americans visit cemeteries (& place flags) attend parades and host cook-outs to honor those courageous individuals that have given everything they had to defend our freedoms and way of life.

Coopersville community members and groups (VFW, Coopersville/Polkton Fire & Rescue, Coopersville Rotary, Boy Scouts, AwardsPLUS, Retirement Referral Management, Coopersville Farm Museum, etc.) have organized a Coopersville Memorial Day parade that will be held on May 27, 2024. Line up will be at 9:00 a.m. at the Community Service entrance of Coopersville Schools. Step off is at 9:30 a.m.

There will be no candy thrown, however flags will be handed out to onlookers to keep the focus on the freedom that our veterans fought for.

The parade will start on East Street and continue down Main Street to Eastmanville Street, turn south on Eastmanville and east on West Randall Street to Veteran’s Park where VFW Post 5598 will host a ceremony.

Community groups, marching bands, sports teams, veterans, military groups, churches, law enforcement, fire-fighters, essential workers, government officials, scout troops, any groups that support our current military (i.e.: Blue Star Mothers), family members of veterans, and vehicles decorated to honor our veterans are all welcome to be part of the parade. Participants are kindly asked to incorporate elements in their parade displays that honor our veterans. The parade should express the depth of our gratitude and breadth of our respect for our veterans the sacrifices they have made for our freedoms.

Kids are encouraged to decorate their bicycles and drive them in the parade too! There will even be prizes for the best decorated bikes.

Prior to the Coopersville Memorial Day parade, Boy Scout Troop #4 will host a Pancake Breakfast at the VFW Post 5598, 511 68th N., Coopersville from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. This is open to the public.

There is no charge to participate. Contact Jason Karell, committee chair, to sign up for the parade. Email: [email protected] or call (616) 293-0682.

Veterans are needed for Color Guard (carrying the flags) and Rifle Squad. Please contact Commander Mead at the VFW if you are able to participate or let Jason know.