Memorial Day

NORTHVILLIANS,

Today, it’s truly my honor & pleasure to share a few words about Memorial Day. During my childhood, the remembrance ceremony at Rural Hill Cemetery was the most important part of the weekend for our family. Patriotism was “part & parcel” to our lives growing up.  My mother was born on Armistice Day, the day WWI ended November 11, 1918. The front page of the Detroit Free Press was framed on our wall, stating “Truce Ends War.” Sacrifice for this country that we all love has been part of my family’s DNA going on 5 generations in Northville. I’m all in.

Memorial Day is to remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice as well as their families who have both grieved and celebrated their lives. From the bottom of my heart, I thank all our veterans, and especially their families, for their courage & dedication.  This coming weekend is about remembering those who have served and sacrificed for our great nation.

Let’s take a look at Memorial Day activities in Northville through the years…

LOOKING BACK TO 1918, The Northville Record published a story on Northvillian Lloyd Green, who paid the ultimate price for our liberty and humanity. His final resting place is in the center of Rural Hill’s Veterans Memorial Gardens. Our American Legion Post is named in his honor.

THE MEMORIAL DAY GATHERING AT RURAL HILL – Growing up, as mentioned, this was the most important part of the weekend for our family. On this day, I played in the Marching Band and had the honor of performing “Taps.”  As many of you have seen over the years, recognition of our veterans has truly been important to our community.

VETERANS FROM ALL WARS – Our town has had veterans from: The Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, the Civil War, the Spanish American War, WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, along with all the modern-era conflicts.

In WWII, my father was a Proud Marine (is there any other kind?) and his final resting place is in Rural Hill. My dad would spend time at the Veterans Memorial area reminiscing about his friends who weren’t as lucky as he, being able to return to Northville after the wars.

“Rosie the Riveter” – My mother was considered a “Rosie” at the Willow Run B-24 Liberator plant, which was part of the “Arsenal of Democracy.” Additionally, one of my brothers later served during the Vietnam conflict.

VFW POST – We in the Northville community are truly indebted to the entire VFW Post for putting together the annual Memorial Day event, for placing flags on all our fallen heroes’ gravesites each year and for the maintenance they provide for the Veterans’ portion of the Rural Hill Cemetery. This area was dedicated in 1952. For 70 years, we have gathered here to honor our Vets for protecting our freedoms. I thank our VFW Post, the American Legion, and the Scouts for their contributions at this annual memorial gathering.

Enjoy your upcoming Memorial Day weekend, and slow down to thank a veteran for the freedoms that we all have in this country today. Let’s continue to spread HOPE for a better tomorrow. 

Keep that Northville Memorial Day Faith!

Brian Turnbull
Mayor – Northville
BTurnbull@ci.northville.mi.us / 248.505.6849

(Reach out to me anytime or forward this communication to others interested.)

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