HONORING AMERICA’S HEROES – Veterans and their families from across the county gathered in Durand Wednesday, Nov. 11, to cap off their Veterans Day celebration with the countywide parade, which was followed by a memorial ceremony in Durand’s Veterans Memorial Park at the intersection of N. Saginaw, Livingston and Oakland streets. Included was the raising of the flags by the Shiawassee County Veterans Honor Guard (pictured) and several short speeches.
Durand Mayor Deb Doyle spoke with emotion, saying: “Some dream the dream, some live the dream and some defend the dream,” before thanking the many military heroes present. Michigan’s 24th District Senator Rick Jones (inset) suggested everyone “Thank a serviceman today,” before adding, “Freedom is not free; it is paid for. May God bless all those who served our country.”
Durand Parks and Recreation Commission Chairman Ted Schaefer announced during the service that the Durand VFW Post No. 2272 and the city of Durand have so far raised $80,271 for the park, with only Phase III left to be completed next spring. Schaefer also presented the Durand VFW with the park’s first bench, which was adorned with a plaque dedicating the bench to the local Reed-Raymond VFW post.
High School bands from Corunna, Owosso, Durand and Perry participated in the parade and most of the county’s police departments were represented. Grand Marshals for the parade were veterans Andy Jaskiewicz of the Army, Marines and Army National Guard; Travis Wines, Navy; Rowland Ferwada, Air Force; and Chuck Olund, Air Force. (Independent Photos/GRAHAM STURGEON)
