Memorial Day Celebrations Planned in Fenton, Linden and Holly

Memorial Day weekend – the first holiday weekend of summer, as it's called, is a few days away – a time for parades, picnics and perhaps a cottage-opening trip up north.

It's also a more solemn occasion for many families, as befits the name Memorial Day. Graveside visits, flag placements and memories of former service members are part of the late May ritual for millions of Americans.

"We must remember and acknowledge the debt we owe to these men and women. We must never take for granted their contributions and sacrifice," says a statement from Jason Allen of Traverse City, head of Michigan’s Veterans Affairs Directorate.

These community events are scheduled Monday:

• In Fenton, The Memorial Day parade will begin at 10 a.m. at the The parade will start south on LeRoy Street, stop briefly at the to place flowers in the Shiawassee River, turn west on Shiawassee, stop briefly at   and continue to Davis Street south to Oakwood Cemetery, where a memorial ceremony will take place.

• In Linden, the parade will begin at 10 a.m. at the Linden VFW Hall, 105 Mill Street, and continue east on Broad Street to the Fairview Cemetery for a memorial ceremony.

• In Holly Township, A Memorial Day program begins at 1 p.m. at The Great Lakes National Cemetery, 4200 Belford Road. Seating will be available, but visitors are encouraged to bring their own chairs.