Memorial Day Parade Set for Monday

A Memorial Day parade will step off in Rocky River again this year, but Lakewood has an important role, parade organizers say.

The Lakewood and Rocky River Joint Veterans Council is hosting its 11th annual Memorial Day parade, set to begin at Rocky River High School on Monday morning.

The parade steps off at 10:30 a.m. and heads east on Detroit Road, before ending at Lakewood Park Cemetery at 22025 Detroit Road.

“To anyone who would call me from Lakewood, I would tell them that if they care to celebrate what Memorial Day is about, this is a perfect opportunity,” said Richard Healy, parade chairman and commander of the Joint Veterans Council. “Not too many communities around us have a Memorial Day parade.”

In addition, Healy said among the parade participants are Lakewood city officials, judges and members of Lakewood’s police and fire departments.

“Both communities have supported us,” he said. “I think we’ll have a great turnout from both communities.”

The parade will be led by police in squad cars and motorcycles. But Healy said there won’t be candy-throwing or political banners.

“We here to honor our fallen comrades, that’s what this parade is about,” he said, adding that he hopes that people will recognize the flag as it passes — something he says many people do not know about Memorial Day parades.

Following the .75-mile parade, there will be a ceremony at Lakewood Park Cemetery. There will be speakers, including Vietnam War veteran Gilbert M. Fritzsche. 

Also, a wreath will be laid at the cemetery’s flagpole, followed by a 21-gun salute.