Cascade Township, Michigan, May 24, 2021 – Cascade Township is inviting community members to its annual Memorial Day ceremony, which returns in-person after being a virtual event last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
This year’s ceremony will take place at 10 a.m. Monday, May 31 outside at Kent District Library – Cascade Township Branch, 2870 Jacksmith Ave. SE. The event will honor and remember those who have died in service to our country and will recognize members of the McDonald-Osmer Post #451 of the American Legion.
The ceremony will feature remarks by Township Supervisor Grace Lesperance and retired U.S. Army Col. David B. Kennedy. The Rev. Tim Dieffenbach of Thornapple Community Church will provide the invocation. The event also will include a color guard of Third Michigan Infantry Co. F Civil War re-enactors, flag-raising by Boy Scout Troop 334 and music by Abby Wright of the Forest Hills Central High School Jazz Band.
“We are proud to provide this opportunity every year for our community to come together and honor our fallen service members,” Lesperance said. “It’s just one way we can show our deep appreciation for their sacrifice and to make sure their loved ones know we have not forgotten them.”
Kennedy served 33 years with the Army Reserve, earning many awards and decorations, including the Legion of Merit and Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Chiefs of Staff Identification Badge and Army Staff Identification Badge. Still active in the military community, he is a member of the Military Chaplains Association, Military Officers Association of America, Reserve Officers Association and the American Legion. He is president of the Grand Rapids Army and Navy Club.
Kennedy spent 32 years as a faculty member of the Grand Rapids Theological Seminary. Today, he serves as emeritus professor of Old Testament at Cornerstone University and is a member of Berean Baptist Church in Grand Rapids.
For community members unable to attend the ceremony, it will be recorded and posted on Cascade Township’s
website and
Facebook page on the evening of May 31. The event is weather dependent, and updates will be provided on the Township’s website and Facebook page.
About Cascade Township
Home to more than 19,000 residents, Cascade Township is committed to serving the public by providing the finest community services possible with respect, efficiency and integrity. With the Thornapple River at its heart, Cascade Township is recognized as an excellent place to live, work, play and raise a family. For more information, visit
www.cascadetwp.com.
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