Monday, May 30 is the unofficial start of the summer season, which means barbecues, beaches and boating.

But let us not forget that Monday is also Memorial Day, a time to honor the countless soldiers, Marines, sailors and airmen who sacrificed their lives at home and around the world to keep America free and secure, and liberate the oppressed from tyrants and totalitarian ideologies.

Oxford and Addison residents are encouraged to take a break from the start of their summer fun and attend one of their local Memorial Day observances.

The Lakeville Cemetery Auxiliary will conduct its ceremony on Saturday, May 28 beginning at noon. Folks are asked to begin gathering in Lakeville Cemetery on Drahner Rd., just west of Walker Rd., at 11:30 a.m.

The ceremony will consist of vocal and instrumental musical performances, prayers, speeches, the placing of a memorial wreath and a 21-gun salute.

Lunch will follow. Hamburgers, hot dogs and beverages will be furnished. Please bring a dish to pass.

Folks wishing to park their vehicles at the Addison Township Hall (1440 Rochester Rd.) in Lakeville can do so and take a shuttle bus, provided by the North Oakland Transportation Authority, to and from the cemetery.

Oxford will conduct its Memorial Day observance on Monday, May 30 at 10 a.m. in downtown’s Centennial Park.

The ceremony will include speeches, the laying of memorial wreaths and the placing of dog tags on white crosses representing all those sons of Oxford who were killed in conflicts ranging from the Civil War to the Vietnam War.

This year’s guest speaker will be Oxford Township Supervisor Bill Dunn, a U.S. Air Force veteran who served in the Vietnam War.

Following the ceremony, the Memorial Day parade will take place along S. Washington (M-24) and W. Burdick streets. The parade will end at Ridgelawn Memorial Cemetery, located on the north side of W. Burdick St.

The cemetery ceremony will include prayers, placement of a wreath, the playing of “Taps” and a 21-gun salute.