Memorial Day is a federal holiday that honors and mourns military personnel who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. It is observed on the last Monday of May. 

Several communities in Ottawa County host Memorial Day parades each year. Here’s a look at where you can find them on Monday, May 26:

• Grand Haven, 9:30-10:30 a.m.: Grand Haven commemorates Memorial Day with a parade starting at 9:30 a.m. from St. John’s Episcopal Church near Sixth Street and Washington Avenue, proceeding down South Harbor Drive to Escanaba Park — where the city will unveil the new U.S. Coast Guard Brick Memorial Garden in honor of fallen heroes following the parade. The community is invited to attend and pay tribute to those who served and sacrificed.
• Coopersville, 9:30 a.m.: Join the City of Coopersville on May 26 for the annual Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony, hosted by VFW Post 5598. Start the morning with a pancake breakfast sponsored by Boy Scout Troop #4 from 7-9 a.m. at VFW Post 5598, 511 68th St., where kids can also enter to win prizes for the best-decorated bikes. The parade will begin at 9:30 a.m. and follow a route along Main Street, Eastmanville Street, and West Randall Street, ending at Veterans’ Park. A brief ceremony will occur at the park immediately following the parade to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Community members are welcome to walk or drive in the parade. For more information, click here, call 616-293-0682 or email medicalofficer@cpfd7004.org.
• Holland, 9:30 a.m.: Holland community members will gather downtown on Memorial Day, Monday, May 26, at 9:30 a.m. for a parade that begins at Eighth Street and Central, continues east along Eighth to Lincoln Avenue, south on Lincoln to 16th Street, then east on 16th Street to Pilgrim Home Cemetery, 370 E. 16th St. The parade is followed at 11 a.m. by a program of remembrance and music in the cemetery. Afterward, join the Holland VFW for breakfast, dinner and maybe even a friendly game of corn hole. The parade is organized by a committee whose goal is to honor living veterans who have served this country and to remember those who have died in service to our country. The committee organizes, manages and maintains the parade and works to educate the community on issues of patriotism, service history and the pivotal role played by our service men and women in maintaining our nation's freedom. 
• Jenison, 9 a.m.: The Jenison Memorial Day Parade will be at 9 a.m. It travels along Baldwin Street from the corner of 20th Avenue to Cottonwood Drive. To learn more about the parade, visit the AMBUC's site. A memorial service will be held at the Georgetown Township Cemetery following the parade. Seating will not be provided. AMBUCS Memorial Day 5K will take place at 8 a.m. prior to the parade at 1965 Baldwin. Runners must register by 11:59 p.m. Sunday, May 25. Cost is $35. For more information, click here.
• Jamestown Township, 10 a.m.: The parade will begin at 10 a.m. at Jamestown Baptist Church, 2472 Quincy St., Hudsonville, then will head down 24th Avenue, then west on Riley Street ending at Riley Street Middle School. For more information, call 616-896-8376 or email info@twp.jamestown.mi.us.
• Marne, 10 a.m.: Start the day off with a 5K Walk/Run at 6:45 a.m. at the Berlin Fairgrounds; the race will begin at 7:30 a.m. The 77th annual Marne Memorial Day Veterans ceremony will begin at 9:45 a.m., followed by the parade at 10 a.m. The Bearded Dad’s Backyard Barbecue food truck will be on site and live music will be performed by The Dead Possums. Other events include a car show, kids bicycle judging contest, pie contest and raffles. For more information, click here.
• Spring Lake, 10 a.m.: The Spring Lake Memorial Day Parade will begin at 10 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 406 E. Savidge St., and will end at All Shores Wesleyan Church. There will be a ceremony in the Spring Lake Cemetery beginning at noon at the veterans' memorial in the cemetery on the west side of Fruitport Road. For more information, click here.
• Zeeland, 9 a.m.: The parade will start at 9 a.m. at Maple and Main. The route will head west on Main, turn south down State, then east on Central. A ceremony will follow at Zeeland Cemetery, 200 Lincoln Ave. For more information, email zeelandfestivalsinc@gmail.com. For more information, click here.

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