LAKE ORION, Mich. – Memorial Day festivities were put on throughout Lake Orion on Monday, May 27. Events for that day included the Orion Veterans Memorial 5k and 5-Mile Run/Walk, ceremonies to honor those who gave their lives in the line of duty, as well as the Memorial Day parade that took place downtown.
At the start of the day at 9 a.m., representatives of the American Legion Post 233 gathered at Eastlawn Cemetery on Orion Rd. for a memorial observance. Ladies’ Auxiliary President Sandi Boyd placed a wreath at the World War Veterans Monument to honor those who gave their lives while defending their country. At the same time, at Children’s Park in downtown Lake Orion, over 350 participants gathered for the 6th annual Orion Veterans Memorial Race.
Photo by Joe Johnson
ONTV’s Joe Johnson spoke to Jenny Bhatti, the Orion Township Communications & Engagement Specialist, before the start of the race about the running conditions and what this means to the community.
“Set up was interesting this year,” Bhatti said. “We had some giant puddles along our way and some pouring rain but the course is still beautiful and the runners are going to enjoy it.”
Gray, overcast skies draped over the course for the race, however, aside from the occasional drizzle and wet spot, runners were keen to start the race. This particular event is a fundraiser for the Orion Veterans Memorial and they have been putting on this race since 2017.
“We’re out here today for the Veterans Memorial, this is the only fundraiser they do, and all of the proceeds from this go towards the long-term sustainability of the beautiful memorial right there on Odanah and M-24.
At 9 a.m., the 5-mile race began, and 15-minutes later, the 5k runners headed to the starting line.
The first runner to cross the finish line this year was none other than Lake Orion’s Alexander Pollack, who was also the winner of the Dragon Dash 5k race at the Orion Center the previous weekend. Pollack pushed his two kids in a stroller to win with a time of 19 minutes and 28 seconds.
Photo by Joe Johnson
“We just like getting a good workout in and seeing people in the community getting out and about and enjoying the town,” Pollack said.
The first woman to cross the finish line was 17-year old Leah Zarrilli of Rochester Hills, who finished with a time of 21 minutes and 39 seconds. ONTV spoke to Zarrilli about why she spent her time this morning participating in the memorial day race in Lake Orion.
“To run with my friends and family and to honor those who have served our country,” Zarrilli said.
Like Pollack, sometimes participants race with unconventional gear or equipment, one of those runners was Lake Orion native Eddie Cromwell, who raced with a 35-pound ruck sack. ONTV’s Lexi McKinney spoke to Cromwell after the race and asked him why he raced today.
“It makes me feel great, to know that there’s people who are willing to come out and be able to run and to show support to people who have served our country and who have given their lives to fight for the freedom of America – it is such a great thing,” Cromwell said.
Everyone who crossed the finish line received a medal for participating in the race and supporting the local veteran community. VFW Post 334 Commander Jim Hubbard was busy handing our American flags in the drizzling rain to runners and walkers who completed the course.
Photo by Joe Johnson
When the race concluded, participants were invited to a ceremony hosted by the American Legion Post 223. Veterans and members of the community gathered together to dedicate some time to those who have served our country. Post Commander Steve Hauxwell commenced the ceremony with a heartfelt speech, afterwards, Ladies’ Auxiliary President Sandi Boyd then dropped a wreath into Paint Creek to honor those who lost their lives at sea.
ONTV’s Joe Johnson spoke to Hauxwell about the ceremony that took place and how the community came together to honor the fallen soldiers.
“This is done for those folks who have given their lives for us,” Hauxwell said “This is very special to us.”
Following the ceremony, at 11 a.m., residents and members of the Orion area community lined the streets of downtown Lake Orion to view the Memorial Day Parade. The event started at Blanche Sims Elementary and took the marchers through Jackson, Flint and North Broadway streets. At the start of the parade, Hauxwell introduced the Legion’s Veteran of the Year, Oxford native and Army Veteran Bill Quinn.
Photo by Joe Johnson
The parade consisted of not only veterans and members of the community, but also the Cub Scouts, military vehicles and the Lake Orion Dragon Marching Band.
The final ceremony of Lake Orion’s Memorial Day events took place at 1 p.m. at the Orion Veterans Memorial. Bob Smith, the Chairman of the Orion Veterans Memorial, was the emcee for the event. Smith welcomed the crowd in attendance and introduced retired US Navy Captain Matthew Butkis, who delivered the memorial day address.
Afterwards, VFW Post 334 Commander Jim Hubbard introduced 2024’s honored veteran retired US Air Force Lt. Colonel Cynthia Wright.
To conclude the ceremony, the names of those who have lost their lives in every conflict since the Civil War, each followed by a bell toll. Then, a gun salute and the playing of the taps took place to close the event.
The Orion Veterans Memorial is on 312 S Broadway Street and is open every day to those who want to visit. For more information visit orionveteransmemorial.com.