It looks like the crowd is doing the Wave as Edwardsburg’s Memorial Day parade proceeds east along U.S. 12 Monday.
After an hour of carefully carrying in and arranging chairs, as veterans at the head of the procession approach, applauding spectators stand and remain on their feet as it passes, their seats forgotten in the ovation.
Edwardsburg Area Chamber of Commerce sponsors the Memorial Festival in Gunn Park on Pleasant Lake which follows the parade organized by the Fire Department.
Uniformed Scouts mix patriotism with a picnic.
“We started coming last year,” says Aaron Luft, flipping hot dogs on the grill for Troop 741 — from across the state line in Elkhart, Ind. “It’s well-organized and goes a perfect amount of time. Our Cubmaster had our Scouts drive through the cemetery and do a salute. It’s hard at this age to acknowledge what sacrifice means. They handed out flags yesterday. We like Edwardsburg because it’s the perfect size for us.”
Cubmaster Scott Shrock said his pack of first through fifth graders “used to do the Mishawaka parade, but this is in the morning and we like the carnival. Kids can participate in a patriotic event and be done by noon if their families have plans, but we’re finding more families hanging out here. The parade officials are real accommodating and everyone likes this set-up.”
The parade paused in front of the museum for a flag ceremony and the playing of the national anthem by the high school band.
“The next time you look at a soldier’s face, see if you can find that glint of pride that the world is a better place. Sometimes it’s hidden and you have to search it out. You’ll find it in the eyes, the windows of the soul. Stand up straight and tall and smile your best smile as you thank that soldier for doing what some cannot or will not and defend what he believes is right with his life for a perfect stranger — you. When one falls, we all fall. When one stands, we all stand. Shouldn’t we stand with them?” was read at the flag ceremony.
Village President James Robinson said, “It’s been pretty good-sized ever since we moved from the library park down here. I’m not sure where we go from here. The village put in a drain and water.”
Lake and Hamilton streets are blocked off to pedestrian traffic until 2 p.m.
Veterans continued on to cemeteries to remember their fallen comrades, Adamsville, Edwardsburg, Chapel Hill and Kessington.