05/21/25 - Memorial Day and Weekend Events

Memorial Day and Weekend events include parades and services to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

Memorial Day, which was originally called 'Decoration Day', was established On May 5, 1868, by a declaration by Major General John A. Logan, head of the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR), a politically powerful organization of Union veterans. The order was titled the "Memorial Day Act."

By 1890, all the other Union states had observed Decoration Day and on  May 11, 1950 Congress formally requested the President to issue a proclamation calling upon the people of the United States to observe each Memorial Day as a day of prayer for permanent peace.

Here in West Michigan, there will be parades and events to honor those who have laid down their lives for our freedom.

KENT COUNTY

     Grand Rapids

Monday, May 26 - Grand Rapids Memorial Day parade

The United Veterans Council of Kent County and the city of Grand Rapids are sponsoring the event.

The parade will commence at 10 a.m. at the intersection of Lyon Street and Ottawa Avenue, proceeding through downtown and concluding at Veterans Memorial Park on Fulton Street. A brief ceremony will be conducted at the park.

Caledonia

 American Legion Post 305

Hosting ceremonies at Alaska, Blain, Dutton, Holy Corners, and Caledonia Cemeteries beginning at Alaska at 9am.

For a complete list - Caledonia American Legion Post #305

     Cascade Township

Monday, May 26 at 10am.

The American Legion is sponsoring this year's event.

The ceremony begins at the Cascade Kent District Library branch, 2870 Jacksmith Ave. SE.

     Walker

Noon. Memorial Day parade

Parade starts at noon from Walker City Hall, 4243 Remembrance Road NW.

The parade will travel along Remembrance Road and conclude at Walker Village Drive near the National Storage lot.

     Wyoming

Memorial Day ceremony - 7 p.m., Monday, May 26

Veterans Memorial Garden, 2300 DeHoop Ave. SW.

A brief ceremony, including musical selections and a guest speaker, will take place at the Garden. Please bring a blanket or folding chairs.

OTTAWA COUNTY

     Grand Haven

Sunday, May 25 at 10pm

Musical Fountain will begin shows at Lynne Sherwood Waterfront Stadium, 1 N Harbor Dr

Monday, May 26

Memorial Day parade will begin at 9:30 a.m

The parade begins in downtown Grand Haven and conclude at Escanaba Park, leading into a dedication ceremony around 10:30 a.m.

     Holland

Monday, May 26 - Parade begins at 9:30 a.m.

The parade begins at the corner of Eighth Street and Central Avenue and travels east to Columbia Avenue, south to 16th Street, and east on 16th Street until it reaches Pilgrim Home Cemetery.

A public program will be held at Pilgrim Home Cemetery around 11 a.m.

     Hudsonville

Monday, May 26 - Service begins at 10am.

A service will be held at Veterans Park, 3275 Central Blvd.

     Jenison 

Memorial Day parade, Monday, May 26 at 9am.

The parade travels along Baldwin Street from the corner of 20th Avenue to Cottonwood Drive.

A brief memorial service will be conducted at the Georgetown Township Cemetery following the parade.

ALLEGAN COUNTY

     Wayland

Memorial Day - 11 a.m.

Parade will begin near the Wayland State Police Post, 544 N. Main St., and conclude at the Wayland VFW, 735 S. Main St.

Veterans who would like to take part are asked to arrive at the Wayland VFW by 7:15 a.m.

MUSKEGON COUNTY

     Fruitport

Fruitport Old Fashioned Days - May 21-26

Festival activities include carnival rides, a 5k fun run, craft show, and festival food.

     Muskegon

Memorial Day parade, Monday, May 26 at 9am.

Parade starts on First Street, turning right on Western Avenue, left on Fifth Street, left on Clay Avenue, and ending at Hackley Park.