Get ready for a Memorial Day Parade for the whole family!
Date: May 31, 2021
Start Time: 9:00 AM
Location: Baldwin Street in Jenison, Michigan (same route as previous years)
Grand Marshal: John Katerberg
John served in the Army Reserve from 1984-1991 and deployed to Saudi Arabia for Desert Shield and Desert Storm. He served in the Army National Guard from 2012-2015 and deployed to Afghanistan for Operation Enduring Freedom. His job was a Max Pro Commander and provided quick reaction of weapons and medical support on convoy missions. He retired as a Sergeant and was medically retired because of injuries sustained when his vehicle was destroyed by an IED. Awards include a Purple Heart, Combat Action Badge, and a Meritorious Service Badge. Now John is a West Michigan artist who focuses on painting and printmaking. His work can be found in homes, businesses, colleges, and churches around the world.
John served in the Army Reserve from 1984-1991 and deployed to Saudi Arabia for Desert Shield and Desert Storm. He served in the Army National Guard from 2012-2015 and deployed to Afghanistan for Operation Enduring Freedom. His job was a Max Pro Commander and provided quick reaction of weapons and medical support on convoy missions. He retired as a Sergeant and was medically retired because of injuries sustained when his vehicle was destroyed by an IED. Awards include a Purple Heart, Combat Action Badge, and a Meritorious Service Badge. Now John is a West Michigan artist who focuses on painting and printmaking. His work can be found in homes, businesses, colleges, and churches around the world.
Ceremony: Will begin approximately 11:00 AM at the Georgetown Township Cemetery (6921 28th Ave, Hudsonville, MI 49426)
Ceremony Details:
| Order of Events | Who |
|---|---|
| Three Songs | Hark Up Band |
| Introduction / Schedule | Ryan Kidd, Parade Chairperson |
| Opening Prayer | Jim Wierenga |
| Color Guard / Pledge of Allegiance | Boy Scouts |
| Star Spangled Banner | Hark Up Band |
| Wreath Laying | Fire Department Honor Guard |
| Speech | Dave Agema, Former Michigan House of Representatives, Veteran |
| Speech | John Katerberg, Grand Marshal, Veteran |
| America the Beautiful | Hark Up Band |
| One Minute of Silence | |
| Taps | |
| Color Guard Leaves | |
| Closing Remarks | Luke Meerman, Michigan House of Representatives, 88th District |
| Dismissal |
Information for Parade Participants
Drop Off Time: Between 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM
Drop Off Location: 2101 Baldwin St. Jenison, MI 49428 (Baldwin Street CRC)
Pick Up Location: Most people meet at or near the Meijer parking lot
You will receive instructions and guidance from a member of the Ottawa Impact parade team upon arrival.
Arrival Instructions
- If you are driving a float, proceed to the “Parade Float Entrance”
- (Semi trucks stay on Baldwin in middle lane)
- If you a dropping off any walkers, proceed to the “Participant Drop-Off”
If you need to park, please park at Cedar Presbyterian Church.
When You Arrive
- You will be given a number and directed to your specific staging location.
- Please tape your participant number to your windshield or the front of your float
- Finish decorating your float, if necessary
- Wait for parade director to notify you to proceed onto Baldwin
- Have fun!!
Reminders
- The parade begins at 9:00 AM at the corner of 20th Avenue and Baldwin
- Parade staging is at Baldwin Street Christian Reformed Church
- 2101 Baldwin St. Jenison, MI 49428
- The parade end location is Meijer in Jenison
- Throwing candy is welcome, but do not throw from a moving vehicle.
- The parade route on Baldwin Street will be closed between 8:30 AM and 12:00 PM the day of the parade.
