IRON MOUNTAIN — The month of May brings the promise of renewal.

The grass turns green and the flowers begin to pop their heads out of the soil after a long, cold winter. The birds of summer begin to return and build nests for the forthcoming new chicks. Walking, biking, running the trails in Fumee and Millie Hill give an opportunity to see the new baby fawns, bunnies, squirrels and other critters of the woods and forests. Geese and ducks are making lots of noise on the lakes as they find a mate and prepare to raise their young during the short summer months.

We enjoy and rejoice in the renewal of life and look forward to the seasonal change after the long winter months of sheltering in our homes because of the weather and the continual COVID-19 restrictions.

Let us rejoice in this renewal, yet remember, to look back to the memories of our loved ones who have passed away.

As we approach the end of the month and Memorial Day, let us take time to celebrate and remember our fallen heroes.

The many men and women who fought for our freedoms from the first seeds sown to form our country right up to today as our soldiers continue to keep our nation free.

Please join us this Memorial Day as we pay tribute to the soldiers who have given their lives and honor them during our Memorial Day program. Attendees will gather at the Dickinson County Courthouse in Iron Mountain for a program at 9 a.m. The Memorial Day Parade will begin on the corner of Ludington Street and Stephenson Avenue in Iron Mountain at about 8:45 a.m. and proceed down Stephenson Avenue, stopping in front of the courthouse. In case of rain, the service will be moved the Braumart Theatre for the program.

We hope that later in the day you will join us at 3 p.m. for a moment of silence and remember what Memorial Day truly represents.

We are urging our community to “go silent” to uplift and remember the lives of those lost in the U.S. Armed Services.

Upcoming Events:

Tuesday, June 1 — 8:30 to 11 a.m., social event at Felch Community Center. The Dickinson County Office of Veteran Affairs Board will meet at the center for their monthly meeting. The Veteran Service officers will host a coffee social and will be available to answer questions after the meeting. Those attending can learn what is happening in the Dickinson County Veteran Affairs Office. Come in and have coffee and a donut and meet the Veteran Service officers and hear what services are being offered.

June 19 — Sixth-annual U.P. Veterans War Memorial and Park Golf Scramble at Oak Crest Golf Course in Norway. The public can stop into the office for application.

June 11-12 — U.P. American Legion Summer Convention at the American Legion Post 50. Call the post for further information.

July 4 — Parade and fireworks event throughout the community.

Aug. 14 — 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Veterans Appreciation Picnic, hosted by the Dickinson County Office of Veterans Affairs Board and Veteran Service officers. All veterans and their families are invited for a day of fun, food, games and prizes.