MEMORIAL DAY PARADE

Click here to read the
2010 Winning Memorial Day Student Essays

Veteran William Dirkse of Spring Lake, left, salutes during the playing of the National Anthem at Spring Lake Township Cemetery Memorial Day Service on Monday. To his left are Memorial Day second-grade essay writers Rachel Thornley, St. Mary's; Lydia Miller, Jeffers; and Sophia Tilton, St. Mary's. (Tribune photo/Andy Loree)

The Spring Lake Memorial Day parade is a time-honored tradition that gives the community an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the current, past, and fallen service veterans
from the area.

Every year, a parade marshal is selected from the community.  Someone who has served the Country is given the honor to represent the armed forces as the parade marshal. The selection of the marshal is done by nomination. Any community member may submit a nomination to Michele Yasenak.

The Spring Lake Heritage Festival committee is assisted with the event by the Spring Lake High School Honor Society seniors who pass out over 2000 American flags to the people along the parade route. (Click here for information on flag etiquette.)

Police and fire departments as well as organizations and businesses in the area also participate in the parade.
Families are encouraged to dress in red, white and blue
and to decorate their trikes, bikes, and wagons and march
in the parade.

The Parade Committee sponsors a patriotic essay contest for students in the second grade. Students submit an essay on what it means to be an American and/or the meaning of Memorial Day. Three winners are selected and they are presented with an American flag, have the honor of riding on the Knights of Columbus train in the parade, have their essays read at the ceremony in the cemetery, and having their photo and essay published in the Grand Haven Tribune. 

The public and all veterans are invited to join the festivities.
The parade route (see map) starts at the corner of Buchanan and Exchange Streets, goes east, and then turns south on Lake Avenue.  From there it turns east onto River Street, then north onto Fruitport Road, ending at Spring Lake Township Cemetery. A memorial tribute to all veterans is held at the cemetery.

If you would like to submit a nomination for parade marshal, or volunteer for this event please contact:

Michele Yasenak, Chair, at myasenak@sltravelleaders.net or by calling 616-405-1970.


John Wissink, Ph.D. and his Moxie Mobile, a 1923 Buick.

Girl Scouts of the Spring Lake Neighborhood get ready for the
parade. Leader, Jennifer Schippers, keeping it together.

Karla and Dan prepare for the Parade.


Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts prepare for the parade.


It was a chilly day for the Flag Squad,
as the High School Band prepares.

Parade Marshall, Bob Stanton, arrives at the ceremony
with John Yasenak as his chauffeur


Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War prepare to post the colors.


Spring Lake High School Marching Band members accompany
the soloist, John Shear.

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