MEMORIAL DAY: A Small Group Marches Through Downtown and Meets at Oakwood Cemetery for Song and Prayer

On Memorial Day, Zach Radcliff strummed a few chords and chatted with friends and followers as they paraded through downtown Saline to Oakwood Cemetery to honor the sacrifices made by American servicemen and women.

"I've done this walk every year as long as I can remember," Radcliff told his friend, Randy Turner, who was proudly waving the flag.

Every other year, Radcliff walked up center of Michigan Avenue, following the hundreds of people who participated in the Memorial Day.

But because of the social distancing orders designed to stifle the coronavirus that's killed nearly 100 residents of Washtenaw County, traditional Memorial Day activities were canceled. 

Radcliff and his group, in total about 15-strong, started at the Speedway gas station at Harris Street and Michigan Avenue. They walked along the sidewalk, decorated by flags and banners honoring veterans.

By the time they reached the four corners, Radcliff had started strumming the chords from his song, I'll Stand. 

Along the way, many drivers honked in support of the marchers.

The impromptu parade, announced earlier that morning on social media, also had the attention of Saline Police Officers. At one point, Radcliff shouted "Thank you for your service," to an officer in the patrol car. The officer briefly blared a siren in support, drawing cheers from the walkers.

None of the marchers in the small crowd wore masks along the walk.

When they arrived at Oakwood Cemetery, Radcliff took to the podium where mayors, state reps, members of Congress and veterans have given stirring and patriotic speeches.

"We have freedom in this country. And we have freedom because of the blood that was shed," Radcliff said. "We have freedom because of the lives that were given. They chose to give so that we could stand here today and not just celebrate them, but honor them."

Radcliff led the group in singing Lee Greenwood's "God Bless the USA." He then sang his own song, "I'll Stand."

The brief ceremony finished with a prayer.

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