The Fourth of July parade in Ypsilanti, Michigan, almost came to an end this year after organizational changes put its future in question.
The community came together on short notice to keep this tradition going, and this year, they’ll be recognizing some of those from Ypsilanti who fought for our freedom. Ypsilanti’s Independence Day Parade makes it to its 95th year, and it’s putting those who’ve served and their connections to the city front and center.
One of them is Lieutenant Colonel Charles Kettles, a Vietnam War helicopter pilot who risked his life to save countless others, earning himself the Congressional Medal of Honor. The Ypsilanti native died in 2019, but his presence will still be felt during this year’s parade as the UH-1, or Huey, helicopter, which he flew in Vietnam, will perform a flyover to start off the event…