By Jim Newell
Review Editor
The Memorial Day ceremony at the Orion Veterans Memorial on Monday was the culmination of the day’s events, with veterans, family and community members showing their support for those who have died in service to the nation — and their appreciation for those yet alive who have served.
Each name spoken was a somber reminder of the toll taken on Orion’s veterans as members of the North Oakland VFW Post 334 read the names of the 41 Orion military soldiers who have died in service to their country.
Prior to the Memorial Service, veterans and family members laid wreaths on the graves at Eastlawn Cemetery.
A special ceremony at Children’s Park honored those veterans lost at sea, with a wreath tossed into Paint Creek in symbolic remembrance, followed by a gun salute from the Lake Orion American Legion Post 233 Color Guard.
The day’s festivities also included the annual Lake Orion Memorial Day Parade and the third annual Orion Veterans Memorial Day 5k run/walk. More than 140 people participated in the 5K run/walk, with proceeds from the race supporting the Orion Veterans Memorial.
World War II veteran Ernest Baker was selected as the 2019 Lake Orion Honored Veteran by American Legion Post 233 and the Lake Orion Police Association. Baker led the parade, riding with Police Chief Jerry Narsh in the police department’s vintage patrol car. He will represent Lake Orion’s veterans at various functions throughout the year.
The parade featured local veterans, scouts, the Lake Orion Twirlers, youth baseball and other community groups.
The Lake Orion High School marching band, under the direction of Michael Steele, entertained the crowd during the parade.

Please see May 29 issue of The Lake Orion Review for more photos.