Communities observe Memorial Day

Decorated graves, somber drum cadences, flags at half-mast, communities gathering to pay respects to the men and women who fought and sacrificed their lives for the freedom our country has.

Locally, Blissfield, Deerfield, Riga and Palmyra all put their own personal touches to ceremonies and activities to honor local heroes with speakers, parades and salutes. The Blissfield American Legion hosted a sell-out chicken barbeque; Palmyra Firefighters served up a hearty pancake breakfast.

This year the weather was not very cooperative but still parades made their way to the cemeteries and larger-than-usual crowds attended local events.

For more photos, please see the May 29, 2013, edition of The Advance, and watch the GALLERIES on www.blissfieldadvance.com. Copyright 2013, River Raisin Publications, Inc.

Veterans march in the Deerfield Memorial Day Parade. Photo by Melissa Burnor, copyright 2013, River Raisin Publications, Inc.