Memorial Day Parade Change for 2019-Archived

The City of Mill Creek has held a Memorial Day Commemorative Ceremony since 2010 and a Memorial Day Parade since 2015. The purpose of Memorial Day is to honor and commemorate those members of the U.S. military who have lost their lives in service to our country.

The Commemorative Ceremony on Memorial Day takes great care to recognize and remember those who made the greatest sacrifice.

The Memorial Day Parade has become a celebration of the military, which is very similar to the celebratory event held for the military on Veterans Day. In doing so, it may detract for some from the purpose of Memorial Day.

To ensure Memorial Day retains its significance, City Staff are proposing holding solely the Commemorative Ceremony at Veterans Monument. This helps us ensure that Memorial Day is honored as intended.

Staff also is recommending that the parade normally held on Memorial Day be moved to May 18, which is Armed Forces Day. This allows the community to still recognize our military, and provides for a more festive and community-oriented event that would be part of a conceptual Mill Creek Days – a week of events that focus on different aspects of our community, ranging from recreation, arts, shopping and dining, business services, and the unique cultures that are represented in Mill Creek.

The City Council is expected to consider this recommendation at its Jan. 22 meeting, held at 6 p.m. in the Mill Creek City Hall Council Chambers, 15728 Main St.

Therefore, the two proposed events for 2019 are:
  • May 11-18: Mill Creek Days, including a parade on Armed Forces Day.
  • May 27 (Memorial Day): A Commemorative Ceremony at 9 a.m. at Veterans Monument to honor those who lost their lives in service

You can provide your feedback to the City regarding this proposal at www.cityofmillcreek.com/responsecenter.