Capt. Maysaa Ouza, the first Air Force Muslim service member to wear a hijab while in uniform, stands in a courtroom at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base on May 20, 2021. (R.J. Oriez/US Air Force)
DEARBORN, Mich. (Tribune News Service) — Air Force Capt. Maysaa Ouza will serve as the grand marshal for the 97th annual Memorial Day Parade and Remembrance Ceremony in Dearborn.
“I am extremely humbled to be selected as Grand Marshal of the Dearborn Memorial Day Parade. Since the beginning of my Air Force journey, the people of Dearborn have been by my side every step of the way, and it is a privilege to represent them as their upcoming grand marshal.” Ouza said.
Ouza, a Dearborn native, will help keep the theme of “Arab Americans who Served,” front and center on May 29 when the parade takes place.
Ouza currently serves as legal counsel in the Victims’ Counsel Division of the USAF.
In 2020, she successfully advocated for a change in USAF policy, authorizing her to become the first Muslim to wear a hijab in the Air Force.
“This is a time to honor our fallen veterans, and reflect on the ultimate sacrifice they made for our nation,” she said. “We also acknowledge that our veteran community represents the many identities that make up this country’s fabric.”
The USAF has since changed its uniform policy, ensuring others like her can serve in hijab. Throughout her career, she has been an ambassador for the Arab American veteran community and other underrepresented groups.
“We’re honored to welcome Captain Maysaa Ouza as our Grand Marshal. Captain Ouza has served our nation honorably and has widened the arms of public service through both her example and her leadership,” said Mayor Abdullah H. Hammoud. “I hope everyone comes out to the parade and joins us in honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice.”
The parade, Michigan’s oldest, will move to a new route this year due to planned construction.
The Parade Route will move westward on Michigan Avenue, beginning at Nowlin and ending at S. Brady.
The parade honors veterans and those who gave the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.
“It is an honor to be a part of the planning process for the 97th Memorial Day parade,” said Evan Ahlin, city of Dearborn’s veteran liaison. “The purpose of Memorial Day is to remember those service members who made the ultimate sacrifice, including the 347 service members from Dearborn who have been killed in action.”
As one of the largest Memorial Day parades in the United States, the event features over 80 regional officials, marching bands, and community groups.
The parade will begin at approximately 9:30 a.m. with a military funeral procession. The grand marshal and parade groups will follow. It will conclude with a remembrance ceremony in honor of the fallen.
The remembrance ceremony will take place on the lawn of the Dearborn Historical Museum at noon. The public is welcome to attend.
This year’s lead marching band is the “Governor’s Own” 126th Army Band of the Michigan National Guard.
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