MARTIN, Mich. (WOOD) — The village of Martin spent the morning honoring fallen heroes and veterans for its annual Memorial Day Parade.
The parade route made its way through downtown Martin as hundreds lined the sidewalks and streets to watch.
Memorial Day Parade in the Village of Martin. (May 26, 2025)
Memorial Day Parade in the Village of Martin. (May 26, 2025)
“We love our vets, and we make a big deal on Memorial Day for them,” Kim Stevens, Martin resident and Army veteran told News 8.
It’s an annual tradition that brings the entire community and surrounding communities together, all to honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.
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Allegan resident and Marine Corps Veteran Mark Heather told News 8 he and his family make their way to Martin every year and have for roughly 20 years.
“This wasn’t built without sacrifice, and I was lucky to go through the service and not make the ultimate sacrifice but so many did so we can do things like this,” Heather said. “We have a little train of cars that come all the way from Allegan every year of family just to come and see the celebration. To me that’s what America is all about and why I choose to come here every year for this parade.”
The parade comes on the helm of a difficult past few days for the village after a tornado ripped through the area.
The National Weather Service confirmed an EF1 tornado hit the area of 114th Avenue and 16th Street and moved directly into Martin on May 16th at 10:41 p.m. The days following the community was focused on cleanup, with this parade being a priority because of the tradition.
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“A week ago, you could not even see down this street, every tree was lined with brush and materials,” Martin resident Kevin Dekoekkoek told News 8. “I thought there is no way, I didn’t think we would get power for days and days. You either step up or step back and this community steps up every time.”
State Rep. Rachelle Smit, R-Shelbyville, was among the speakers at the event. She told News 8 that this event is important to the community and that it was great to see everyone come together to help keep it going.
“The amount of support that business owners and community people came out and cleaned this up was unbelievable,” she said.
Once the parade concluded, the community gathered at Geib Veterans Memorial for a tribute ceremony to honor Martin’s active military members, veterans and the fallen heroes and community members.
Memorial Day ceremony in the Village of Martin. (May 26, 2025)
Memorial Day ceremony in the Village of Martin. (May 26, 2025)
“This parade has been a part of my life for a long time so coming home every year is so important,” Army Lt. Col. Kevin Martin told News 8.
Raising the flag and a final salute served as memory to those who have fallen but have not been forgotten.
