Coldwater, Michigan Memorial Parade

Many municipalities hold a Memorial Day parade to commemorate Armed Forces servicemen and women who gave their lives for their country. City officials and residents of Coldwater, Michigan organize meaningful and educational annual Memorial Day events including a parade. The town, approximately 45 minutes south of Battle Creek, emphasizes the importance of Memorial Day while providing a community activity that mobilizes and unites the town's residents.

Memorial Day

General John Logan, National Commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, officially proclaimed Memorial Day in 1868 to commemorate the soldiers, both Union and Confederate, who died during the Civil War. Although Southern states continued to honor Confederate soldiers separately for many years, Memorial Day gained acceptance and, after World War I, began to memorialize American soldiers who fought in all American conflicts. All 50 states now commemorate Memorial Day, which falls on the last Monday of May. In many localities, Memorial Day has come to mean picnics and a day off work, but the town of Coldwater in Michigan continues to commemorate the day with a parade and remembrance ceremonies.

Memorial Day Weekend Coldwater Details

Coldwater commemorates Memorial Day with a weekend-long schedule of events. From Friday through Monday of Memorial Day weekend, Coldwater hosts Civil War Days, which include Civil War battle re-enactments, period crafters, a formal period soiree, a Civil War church service, period concerts, horse-and-wagon rides and demonstrations and encampments. The 5th Michigan Regimental Band gives a free concert. The events take place at the Branch County 4-H Fairgrounds.

Coldwater Memorial Day Parade

The Coldwater parade begins at 8:30 a.m. on Monday, Memorial day. The parade starts at the corner of Hudson and East Chicago streets and winds through downtown along Chicago Street. The parade finishes at the corner of either Pierson Street or Walnut Street. The parade includes veterans, civic leaders and the Coldwater High School Marching Band.

Other Events

Residents of Coldwater and visitors who participate in the Memorial Day weekend events can come to the Historical Wing House Museum for a period breakfast with actors playing the President and Mrs. Lincoln. In addition, the Little River Railroad, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the preservation, operation and restoration of historic railroad equipment, invites visitors and residents to join the railroad's train rides which depart from the Coldwater depot at 29 W. Park Avenue, at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, as of the time of publication. Armed services personnel and veterans ride free both days. Coldwater's Heritage Pool opens for a free swim day from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.