Mayor Driskell Gives Final Memorial Day Welcome Address

When Gretchen Driskell decided to run for the state house, the long-time mayor of Saline knew she was giving up many mayoral duties that she was honored to perform.

During the celebration of Saline becoming a Michigan Main Street community, Driskell admitted to feeling a twinge of sadness that she wouldn’t be around as mayor to see the program through.

That twinge paled in comparison to the emotions Driskell felt on Memorial Day.

Monday, as the community gathered to honor America’s fallen soldiers, Driskell knew it was going to be an emotional day.

“There are a lot of activities that I’m going to miss. But this will be the hardest one,” said Driskell.

Like she does every year, Driskell marched the parade route with members of city council.

“It’s a really incredible experience to represent the community walking in the parade. Seeing all the people lined up on Michigan Avenue to honor our veterans and their sacrifice is probably the most moving reminder of what an amazing community we live in,” said Driskell. “When you see all of those people as you walk the parade, you feel very proud of the community. It’s a great honor to be a part of it.”

Each year, after the parade moves to Oakwood Cemetery, Driskell shares a welcome address with the audience gathered around the flagpole. Most years, Driskell takes the podium and knows just what she’ll say. This year, she decided to prepare remarks because she suspected the emotions might overwhelm her once she began speaking. It was a good decision because, Driskell said, the emotions were strong in those moments between the parade and the ceremony at the cemetery.

Driskell is running as a Democratic candidate and she has “peace” bumper stickers on her car, so it might surprise some that she’s so at home welcoming the crowd to a Memorial Day ceremony or spending the afternoon at the American Legion Post. Her family has a strong military tradition dating back to her great-great-great-grandfather, who served under General Washington during the American Revolution. Her father served in World War II. Her son, Matt, serves in the U.S. Navy, and recently was accepted into the United States Naval Academy.

It all added up to a heartfelt welcome address from Saline’s longest-serving Mayor on Memorial Day.

“So it has been with great respect that I carry our thanks, as a community, to those who serve our country,” Driskell said.