PHOTOS: Clawson Memorial Day Parade Honors Veterans

It was a picturesque day for marchers and spectators at the  on Monday, hosted by the city’s .

The parade kicked off at 10 a.m. from the American Legion Post on Main Street and traveled down to . A Clawson police car led the marchers, including American Legion members, Clawson Mayor Penny Luebs, Boy Scout Cub Scout Pack 1095, Girl Scout Brownie Troop 75117, the  marching band, Elks Clawson-Troy Lodge No. 2169 and flag bearers.  

“We like the Clawson parade because it’s just really patriotic and does a good job at honoring the veterans,” said Royal Oak resident Pauline Mason, who attends the parade every year with her husband, Pat.

At the park, former American Legion Cmdr. Bryan Soubliere and Mayor Luebs gave speeches emphasizing the importance of remembering veterans’ sacrifices, including the more than 200 Michigan men and women who have lost their lives in the most recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.

“Memorial Day is not about picnics,” Luebs said. “It is about remembering those who made the things we cherish, like picnics, possible by giving their life to protect our freedom.”

Their speeches were followed by the raising of the American flag by four Boy Scout members and a 21-gun salute performed by several American Legion members.

Soubliere ended the ceremony with a prayer, saying, “God bless you all and God bless America."

Luebs said she thought the event went really well. “I’m always impressed with the American Legion’s ability to organize this event and to march in this hot weather,” she said. “I believe (the ceremony) is something we need to do simply because we are American.”