TUSKEGEE TAKEOFF
Memorial Day Parade to feature first-ever flyover from Airmen
The 44th annual Sterling Heights Memorial Day Parade coming up in May will kick off with its first-ever Tuskegee Airmen flyover.
According to a news release from the city, the Tuskegee Airmen will be using authentic World War II Tuskegee airplanes to fly over the route and its thousands of spectators. U.S. Army veteran and current Vice President of the National Museum of the Tuskegee Airmen Larry Sargent will serve as the event’s grand marshal.
The airmen were the first African American soldiers to successfully complete their training and enter the Army Air Corps. A group of them trained at Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Harrison Township.
Sponsored by the city and its Arts Commission, this year’s theme is “Victory through Unity.”
The Sterling Heights Memorial Day Parade is one of the city’s biggest events for residents and visitors to experience. Tens of thousands of spectators line the parade route each year to watch 100 or more marching bands, scout troops, civic groups and individuals march in the parade, according to Melanie Davis, the city’s community development director.
Dozens of entries will participate in the parade, including floats, veterans, community organizations and high school marching bands. The Moslem Shriners, along with their team of volunteer clowns, cowboys, musicians, motorcyclists and more, are expected to be on hand..
Memorial Day activities begin at 9 a.m. in the City Center Courtyard as hundreds gather for a solemn tribute to all veterans who died in the line of duty.
The procession will kick off at 10 a.m. from Dodge Park and head through the roundabout and south on Dodge Park Road, ending at Heritage Jr. High, at Metro Parkway.
Parking for spectators can
be found along the parade route and in front of the Police Department and the Richard J. Notte Civic Center.
Applications to participate are now available on the city’s website, sterlingheights.net.