By Lisa Carolin
Hundreds of Chelsea area residents cheered on the annual Memorial Day parade and then walked to Oak Grove Cemetery for the ceremony to remember those who died in service to the country.
Blue skies welcomed members of the Herbert J. McKune American Legion Post 31 followed by bands from Chelsea High School and Beach Middle School.
The route finished at Oak Grove Cemetery where Sergeant Rich Kinsey of the Chelsea Police Department spoke. He told the story of his dad who was among the troops that led the D-Day attack at Omaha Beach in Normandy. His dad was one of five soldiers standing from a unit of 150. Though he was critically wounded, he survived and returned home to the U.S. to live a long life.
“Many soldiers made the ultimate sacrifice, giving their lives for our freedom,” said Kinsey.
Local resident Janet Adams called the ceremony, “emotional”.
“It’s so nice to see the city recognize Memorial Day,” she said.
Resident Doris Lindsay lamented that she didn’t have any tissues with her.
“I cried through whole thing,” she said.
Resident Kathleen Stevens enjoyed watching the parade.
“I raised my kids here, and they used to march in the bands,” said Stevens. “I recently moved back to Chelsea, and didn’t realize how much I missed traditions like the Memorial Day parade.”
Once they arrived at the cemetery, the high school band performed America the Beautiful, the Star Spangled Banner, and other patriotic tunes.
