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Community Corner

Memorial Day Observances: Your Local Holiday Guide

Whether grave site ceremonies, parades or family day trips, there are plenty of ways to mark the holiday weekend.

Looking for ways to honor Memorial Day in a meaningful way with family?

Between the parades, local ceremonies and special activities planned around the area, there's something for everyone to pay tribute to veterans and their service in a special way.

Berkley observance

Join the 1st District of for the annual Memorial Day observance at in Berkley. The ceremony, held in front of the veterans’ monument, will begin at 10:30 a.m. and honor those who fought in all wars.

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Wreaths will be placed down after local fallen heroes are saluted and the public, as well as families of loved ones in the cemetery, are welcome.

Nearby celebrations

Head to a nearby city for some parade action and live band music Monday. Here's a quick look at happenings in surrounding cities:

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Royal Oak: at 9 a.m. near Main Street and Harrison, heading north on Main to Second and east to the Royal Oak Veterans Memorial for a ceremony with music by the high school, middle school and U.S. Navy bands. About 1,500 people typically attend the parade.

Ferndale: Parade starts at 10 a.m. on Livernois at West Breckenridge and heads north. Participants then march east on Maplehurst, south on Woodward, west on Nine Mile, and south at Livernois, ending at the Memorial Mall in front of Fire Station No. 1.

Clawson: Parade kicks off at 10 a.m. from , 655 S. Main, to  at North Main Street and Roth Boulevard. A brief ceremony includes a 21-one gun salute.

Birmingham: Memorial Day ceremony in Shain Park beginning at 10 a.m. Area veterans will be honored alongside performances from the Birmingham Straw Hat Band and special readings from local leaders.

If you’re looking for more ceremonies and Memorial Day events around the area, check out , including in Rochester, Beverly Hills, Canton and more.

Day activities

While many places are closed for the federal holiday, some family friendly places are remaining open to serve the community.

If you’re up for a small day trip with friends and family this weekend, consider the Detroit Zoo or Detroit Institute of Arts.

To celebrate the 2012 Memorial Day weekend, the Detroit Zoo is offering extended hours and the Detroit Institute of Arts is offering free admission for active military personal and their families.

You can get .

Share your photos

However you decide to honor veterans this holiday weekend, please share your experiences with Patch.

You can send your photos to Berkley@Patch.com or better yet, upload them directly to this story by clicking on "upload photos and videos" below the photos already here. Don't know how to upload photos? It's easy; .

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