NORTHVILLIAN
The remembrance ceremony at Rural Hill Cemetery (our Arlington) embodies what Memorial Day weekend is truly all about. My mother was born on Armistice Day, the day WWI ended … she was a “Rosie the Riveter” at the Willow Run B24 Liberator Bomber plant in Ypsilanti, which was part of the Arsenal of Democracy. My father was a WWII Marine. Sacrifice for this country we all love has always been a part of our community’s DNA.
Honoring our veterans …
- ¾Veterans Day (Nov. 11) salutes & gives homage to all Vets in this country.
- ¾Memorial Day (May 25) is to remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.
Rural Hill is host to 759 Veterans who served in the War of 1812 to modern era conflicts. In Oakwood Cemetery, there are even Vets from the Revolutionary War and Civil War (35 in total).
MEMORIAL DAY GATHERING AT RURAL HILL
This has always been a very reverent part of the weekend. Growing up, I had the opportunity and great honor of performing “Taps” at the Cemetery’s Memorial service, which gives recognition to our Veterans who have truly been part of the fabric of our community. My father would spend time at the Veterans Memorial area reminiscing about his friends who weren’t as lucky as he was to return to Northville. Many of the names on the markers are family friends.
For Northvillians over the years, recognition of our Veterans has been an important tradition. Accordingly, we will gather as follows:
- Monday – 5/25, 10AM parade on Main Street starting on Griswold
- Brief stop @ Oakwood Cemetery (Cady St) for a 21-gun salute and then end at Rural Hill (7 Mile/Rogers) for an 11AM short remembrance ceremony.
Memorial Day
The tradition of Memorial Day dates back to 1868, shortly after the Civil War when it was named Decoration Day (because it was a day to decorate the graves of loved ones we lost in the Civil War). In 1968, Congress established Memorial Day as the last Monday in May, to commemorate all American military personnel.
Some people wear a red poppy in remembrance of our fallen soldiers, a tradition that began with a WWI poem. At the gathering at Rural Hill, we will pay homage to our brave men and women who have defended the ideals of this country.
BEFORE LOOKING @ MEMORIAL DAY HIGHLIGHTS, LET’S SEE TODAY’S NEWS ...
- Northville Flower Sale – 5/22 - 5/23, Downtown Northville. Link
- Veterans Honor Plaza Dedication – 5/23, 10AM, Mill Race Village. Link
- Memorial Day Parade – 5/25, 10AM & Ceremony @ Rural Hill including WWII Vet appearances among other special guests –Link
- Investigating Indigenous Connections – 5/29, 7PM, Mill Race Village. Carol Bacak-Egbo, Oakland County Parks’ Historian, will discuss the challenges of researching our area’s history before log cabins and mills. Link
- Upcoming Music/Concerts/Events – Marquis Link, NOMI Link, Genitti’s Link, Northville Winery Link
- State of the Community – A recording of the presentation is available to view. Link
INFO FOR CITIZENS … Projects Around Town
- FORD FIELD – Lots to report …
- ¾The Playscape assembly is almost DONE.
- ¾The cement walks have been poured, & the soft surfaces are being laid.
- ¾The waterfall is complete at the northern Serenity Point area.
- ¾The ADA entryway is complete, & the Vista (Gateway) overlook will be finished soon.
- ¾A NEW STAIRCASE is being designed.
- RIVERWALK – The pathway system at the Downs along the Rouge River & Johnson Creek is complete. DTE is working on their section north of the Downs.
- DOWNS INITIATIVE – The River Park ribbon cutting is scheduled 6/17 @ 11AM. The Beal St. bridge stonework construction (decorative functional cement wings) is done
- NORTHVILLE COMMUNITY MARKET AREA – Farmers’ Market every Thursday, Car Shows monthly on 2nd Saturdays.
- GRANTS that Support Northville’s Initiatives (Over $17.6M) – Link
TASK FORCE MEETINGSs
- Cemetery Renewal Task Force Mtg – 7/13/26, 7PM City Hall (Dave Marold–Chair)
- (See Link for information or Link to donate/support.)
- Bicentennial Task Force Mtg – 7/15/26, 7PM City Hall (Rick Sharpe – Chair) Additional ways to be involved will be posted soon.
Our Community’s Memorial Day Highlights through time:
- 1868 – On Decoration Day, Northvillians joined in the nationwide tradition of gathering and remembering Civil War Veterans and decorating their final resting places.
- 1918 – The Northville Record published a story on Northvillian Lloyd Green, who paid the ultimate price for our freedoms in WWI. His final resting place is in the center of Rural Hill’s Veterans’ area. Our American Legion Post is named in his honor.
- 1952 – RURAL HILL MILITARY MEMORIAL SECTION was established 74 years ago in this historic burial ground built in the 1800’s.
- 2017– The banner program, sponsored by the Northville Chamber of Commerce, is an outstanding remembrance of those who served our country proudly. Slow down as you stroll around town and take note of the names & faces on each of the 250 banners.
- VFW POST & AMERICAN LEGION– We in the Northville community are truly indebted to the entire VFW Post for their dedication in organizing the annual Memorial Day event, working in coordination with the American Legion who assists with the parade activities.
- Additionally, I thank the Cemetery Restoration Task Force and all the volunteers. including the Scouts for placing flags on our Veterans’ gravesites each year and for the maintenance they provide for the Veterans’ portion of Rural Hill.
From the bottom of my heart, I thank all our Veterans and especially their families, for their courage & dedication and for all they have done for the liberty of our nation. We’re all standing on the shoulders of those that have come before us, and it’s our responsibility to keep their stories & memories alive in our hearts. I encourage all of you to slow down and thank a Veteran for those freedoms we cherish.
Enjoy your upcoming Memorial Day weekend, and let’s continue to spread HOPE for a better tomorrow. Again, I thank our VFW Post, the American Legion, the Chamber, the Scouts and other volunteers for their contributions at this annual memorial gathering.
Keep that Northville Faith!
Brian Turnbull
Mayor – Northville