No Memorial Day Parades in Fox Point or Bayside

Every year, families pack up their minivans and children's PF Flyers with goodies, stake out their spot with blankets and wait for the Memorial Day parade — a humbling reminder of why we have the freedoms we do in America. But in Fox Point and Bayside, there will be no parades this year. 

"It's really a shame that the Scouts or American Legion or someone doesn't step up and keep it going," Tink Linhart of Fox Point said. "As the daughter, daughter-in-law, wife, and mother of Veterans, I think it's real important that we honor all who have served."

Linhart's son was in the Marines for the re-taking of Falluja in November 2004 through February 2005. She said people just don't realize what military members have to go through. 

"Most people haven't a clue what our military members go through," she said. "They are not affected by the wars in any way, shape, or form. Consequently they simply don't care about remembering or honoring those who chose to serve. "

For the last four years, but due to declining numbers, will not be able to participate this year. 

"We are looking forward to restarting the effort to honor the fallen veterans of this nation next year," Mike Kalloch, an adult leader for the troop said. "I will miss the emotional high that the parade inspires to the old and the young alike in our community."

Kelly Herda, of Bayside, is a Navy veteran and she said while she understands smaller villages, like Fox Point and Bayside, may not have the funds to host their own parades, she hopes people will still find a parade to attend to support those who have sacraficed so much. 

"I served in the USN and saw my fellow service members die in the line of duty.The parades and services remembering their great sacrifice have always brought me some comfort in knowing that my buddies aboard the USS Stark and USS Iowa haven't been forgotten," Kelly said. "I understand that the small villages may not have the resources to hold a parade, so I hope that residents will go to the parade in Milwaukee or attend one of the services at one of the local cemeteries."

But just because Fox Point and Bayside aren't hosting their own Memorial Day parades doesn't mean you have to sit at home. Here are a few other places that are hosting events to honor our veterans:

• When: Saturday, 1 p.m.
• Where: Schlitz Audubon Nature Center

• When: Sunday, 4 p.m.
• Where: Atwater Beach Park, 4000 N Lake Dr.

Milwaukee

• When: Monday, 2 p.m.
• Where: Begins at 4th and Wells St., ends at the War Memorial Center

Mequon-Thiensville

• When: Monday, 10 a.m.
• Where: Begins at Grace Lutheran Church, 303 Green Bay Rd., Thiensville and ends at Mequon City Hall, 11333 N Cedarburg Rd., Mequon.