After serving more than five years in a Russian labor colony, Paul Whelan, a retired U.S. Marine and Novi resident, is a free man today.

FARMINGTON — A trip to Memorial Park in downtown Farmington now includes a local history lesson for those who happen to take notice of a plaque that was recently installed.

ROCHESTER HILLS — U.S. Navy seaman Auvergne Breault was just 20 when he was struck by a giant mortar that knocked him off his boat, leading to his drowning death, during the June 6, 1944, allied forces invasion of Normandy, France, known as D-Day.

HARRISON TOWNSHIP/ROCHESTER — After two decades of service, Rochester resident and Air National Guard Maj. Jason Holm has piloted his final military flight.

SOUTHFIELD — “I’m still walking around in a daze. My wife and I  … it’s unbelievable — nothing like this has ever happened,” Michael Johnson, a U.S. Air Force veteran and Southfield resident of 30 years, said of his new roof.

NOVI — The city of Novi held its third annual Fuerst Field of Honor remembrance ceremony May 22 to pay respects to those who lost their lives while serving the United States in the military.

TROY — Hundreds of people gathered at White Chapel Memorial Park Cemetery in Troy for the 93rd annual WWI Polar Bear Memorial Service May 27 to honor a group of Michigan soldiers known as the “Polar Bears,” according to a press release from the cemetery.

ROYAL OAK — The 80th anniversary of D-Day brings one of the last anniversaries of the World War II era where surviving veterans can be present for the event. 

GROSSE POINTE FARMS — On June 6, the War Memorial, 32 Lake Shore Road in Grosse Pointe Farms, will mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day — which turned the tide in World War II as the Allies stormed Normandy beaches in France to wrest back control of the country from Nazi Germany

ROYAL OAK — Thursday, June 6, marks the 80th anniversary of D-Day, and to commemorate this day, the Michigan World War II Legacy Memorial board of directors will be hosting an event.

NOVI — June 6, 2024, marks the 80th anniversary of the D-Day invasion.

ST. CLAIR SHORES — There’s a lot more to reenacting than wearing the uniform. It’s about the portrayal of history and the community formed along the way.

METRO DETROIT — Nearly one year before the United States entered World War II, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt declared the country would be the “arsenal of democracy” and supply the free world with equipment and munitions to fight the Axis powers.

LANSING/WARREN — State Sen. Paul Wojno, D-Warren, has always had a soft spot in his heart for the brave soldiers who fought during World War II.

CLINTON TOWNSHIP — Owners showed off their classic rides on the Sunday prior to Memorial Day at an event benefiting veterans.

SHELBY TOWNSHIP/UTICA — Shelby Township hosted its Memorial Day ceremony on May 26 at the Shelby Township Veterans Memorial, and Utica hosted its ceremony at Memorial Park downtown on the same day in remembrance of all those who died in service to the nation.

ROYAL OAK — The Royal Oak-based Ezra Parker Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, held a naturalization ceremony May 29 to swear in 25 new citizens of the United States.

TROY — The public is invited to join the city in honoring and remembering the men and women who gave their lives for their country at 10 a.m. May 27 at Veterans Memorial Plaza, in front of Troy City Hall, 500 W. Big Beaver Road.

SHELBY TOWNSHIP/UTICA — Shelby Township will hold its annual Memorial Day ceremony at 1:30 p.m. and Utica at 2 p.m. May 26.

FERNDALE/BERKLEY — The cities of Ferndale and Berkley will be hosting Memorial Day events May 27.