ROYAL OAK, Mich. – Like many communities in Metro Detroit, Royal Oak held its Memorial Day parade Monday morning, celebrating its 110th year.
This year’s event featured a special journey for one man from West Michigan.
The parade began just after 9 a.m. on May 26, 2025, along South Main Street, showcasing the Royal Oak High School marching band, World War II veterans, and numerous American flags.
Children of all ages enjoyed a holiday that honors the lives and sacrifices of military veterans.
Sgt. Dane Nielsen (ret.), a Vietnam veteran, shared his experience: “I enlisted, did my duty, and served four years and two tours in Vietnam. I was in search and rescue. It was very rewarding when you would bring back someone alive.”
Nielsen expressed gratitude for the continued acknowledgment of military veterans’ sacrifices.
He comes from a legacy of service, saying, “My mom and dad were in the Second World War. My uncle was in Korea, and I was in the Vietnam area. You have to consider it just wasn’t South Vietnam; it’s North Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, and Northeast Thailand, along the Mekong River. And it was quite interesting.”
Military service was also a family affair for Anne Kopy of Royal Oak, who attended the parade with lifelong friends.
“My father was in the Navy, and all his brothers—the Ellison brothers—there were four of them. My grandmother had four of those red stars in the window, but everybody came home healthy and safe,” said Kopy.
The parade also marked the end of a journey for Lawrence Miller, who participated in the “Trek for Vets,” walking across the state to support veterans.
Miller’s journey began 11 days ago in St. Joseph, on the southwest side of the state.
Each day, he walked 15 to 20 miles starting at 6 a.m., raising $222 per mile on foot.
His trek aimed to raise awareness and funds for veterans in crisis, providing support for legal issues, mental health, physical disabilities, and housing.
He completed his trip during the parade this morning, receiving cheers from the crowd, including Nielsen.
“It makes me a happy man that people remember us, especially what the war did,” Nielsen said. “The sacrifices that they made plus their families.”
