An important part of Memorial Day Monday is the salute to those members of the military who fell in service to our country.  At Clark Lake, it takes the form of Michigan’s biggest little parade at the west end. Thanks to the Clark Lake Lions Club, the tradition continues, but with a change, which will be explained below.

The parade will travel from north to south on Hyde Road with viewers lined along the way, starting at 8:30 am.  The procession turns around in Doyle’s parking lot.  Relive last year’s parade in this 2023 video.

The parade combines fun with patriotism and addresses the seriousness of the occasion.  As the parade heads north, it stops at the Clark Lake Cemetery.  At this point, a prayer will be said, and taps, played.  A wreath will be placed on the headstone of a fallen member of the military, followed by the National Anthem performed by the Columbia Central Band.  Major Walter Reed U.S. Army (Ret) will give the address.

In previous years, the parade resumed travel north, and fans gathered at the church.  That tradition changes this year.  Parade activities will conclude at the cemetery.

What happened in 2023?  Fans arrived by bike, car, golf cart, on foot and by raft.  They lined the parade route and decorated it with their smiles.

In this 2023 slideshow, view more fans, both in and out of the parade, and the kids.  At the end of the event, the Lions Club gave kids in the parade a two-dollar bill.

An event like this requires lots of work and coordination.  This annual event is a presentation of the Clark Lake Lions Club.