A lot of Clevelanders view Memorial Day weekend as the unofficial start of summer. But it is more than that. The last Monday of May is set aside to honor U.S. military personnel who died while serving our country. Here’s a look at some parades and observances around the area.
Lake View Cemetery
The community is asked to gather at the James A. Garfield Memorial for a special remembrance on Monday. Lakeview Cemetery is located at 12316 Euclid Ave. The program honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the armed forces is scheduled to start at 10:30 a.m.
People are encouraged to bring lawn chairs. The James A. Garfield Memorial will be open for tours following the ceremony.
Brooklyn
The city’s Memorial Day parade starts at 11 a.m. at Brooklyn High School. The route follows Biddulph Road to Ridge Road to Memphis Avenue. Ceremonies will be held at noon at City Hall.
Euclid
The city will hold graveside services on Monday at Euclid Cemetery starting at 8 a.m. This will be followed by a service at St. Paul’s Cemetery.
At 10 a.m., marchers will take to Lakeshore Boulevard for the parade. From Lakeshore and East 228 Street, the route proceeds west on Lakeshore Boulevard to East 222nd Street, south on East 222nd Street and ends at the veterans memorial next to Euclid City Hall, located at 585 E. 222nd St.
Harvard Square Center – Cleveland
The third annual Harvard Square Center Community Parade and ninth annual Fun Day Festival takes place at Gawron Park at East 136th Street and Harvard Avenue starting at 11 a.m. There will be music and some free food. The event runs until 5 p.m.
Lakewood
The Joint Veterans Council of Lakewood and Rocky River will host its Memorial Day Ceremony at 10 a.m. Monday at Lakewood Park Cemetery, 22025 Detroit Rd.
The tribute will include the Rocky River High School marching band, several local scout troops and community representatives. The guest speaker will be Vincent S. Capka. Parking is available across from the cemetery at the Rocky River Presbyterian Church.
Warrensville Heights
People of all ages will take part in the city’s annual Memorial Day parade. The celebration steps off at 10 a.m. on Warrensville Center Road near Halifax Road. The one-mile route ends at Old City Hall. There is construction underway at the middle school and high school, but some parking is available in the lots near Old City Hall.