DEARBORN — Thousands gathered along Michigan Avenue on Monday to pay homage to the nation’s fallen soldiers, in observance of Memorial Day.

It was Dearborn’s 91st Memorial Day parade. Soldiers and various organizations and social clubs marched in Downtown east Dearborn, holding signs thanking veterans for their service. There was a heavy Arab American presence in the audience as well as in the march.

Memorial Day was first observed after the Civil War, when citizens laid flowers and erected flags on the graves of Union soldiers who died in battle. It was then called Decoration Day. But the holiday’s name changed gradually and it was widely celebrated on the last Monday of May after World War II. It became an official federal holiday in 1967. 

Ali Baleed Almaklani, the executive director of the Yemen American Benevolent Association (YABA), said the organization has been participating in Dearborn’s Memorial Day parade for more than 20 years.

“As Yemeni and Arab Americans, it is important for us to celebrate this occasion,” he said. “It is an opportunity to honor the people who defended our country and fought for democracy and freedom around the world. For decades, we took part in every parade without skipping a year.”

This year, YABA marched down Michigan Avenue with more than 40 members of the community, including students, according to Almaklani.

Yemeni American activist Walid Fadima, who participated in the parade with the Yemeni American Heritage Association (YAHA), stressed the importance of celebrating American holidays, especially Memorial Day.

“As the Arab American community, we should look at ourselves as an integral part of this country,” he said. “We are of Arab origin, but this country has welcomed us and we have adopted it as our own.”

He said there should be no hesitation when it comes to identifying as Americans, adding that participating in the Memorial Day parade is an occasion to confirm our Americanism. 

“This holiday pays tribute to people who have sacrificed their lives for the stability, freedom and prosperity that we enjoy today,” he said. “We should conserve our Arab and Muslim holidays, but also join the people of the land that welcomed us when they celebrate.” 

Fadima said Arab Americans are not mere guests in the United States, but loyal citizens. 

“The good or the bad that comes to this country will affect us. We have to share its joys and pain.”

The Lebanese American Heritage Club (LAHC) usually takes part in the parade, but this year the group did not organize a contingent because its members were busy putting together its yearly scholarship banquet, according to LAHC executive director Wassim Mahfouz.