Bessemer Residents Raise Funds for Marty's Goldenaires Drum and Bugle Corps

Local women sell homemade treats to support the group's trip to the 2026 National Memorial Day Parade in Washington, D.C.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Residents of Bessemer, Michigan are rallying to raise funds for Marty's Goldenaires, the only American Legion-sponsored drum and bugle corps in the United States. Lynn Ormes and Paula Partanen held a bake sale at Steiger's Home Center on February 13th to help cover the group's lodging and travel costs for their upcoming performance at the 2026 National Memorial Day Parade in Washington, D.C. Contributions can also be made through the group's GoFundMe page.

Why it matters

The Goldenaires provide an important community activity for local youth and adults, and their selection to perform at the National Memorial Day Parade is a point of pride for the small town of Bessemer. Fundraising efforts like the bake sale help ensure the group can represent Michigan on the national stage.

The details

Lynn Ormes and Paula Partanen, both of whom have family members in the Goldenaires, organized the bake sale at Steiger's Home Center to raise money for the group's upcoming trip to Washington, D.C. The Goldenaires are the only American Legion-sponsored drum and bugle corps in the country, and they will be performing in the 2026 National Memorial Day Parade.

  • The bake sale was held on February 13, 2026.
  • The Goldenaires will perform in the 2026 National Memorial Day Parade in Washington, D.C.

The players

Lynn Ormes

A Bessemer resident who has a family member in the Marty's Goldenaires drum and bugle corps.

Paula Partanen

A Bessemer resident who has a family member in the Marty's Goldenaires drum and bugle corps.

Marty's Goldenaires

An American Legion-sponsored drum and bugle corps based in Bessemer, Michigan that will represent the state in the 2026 National Memorial Day Parade in Washington, D.C.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The Goldenaires will continue fundraising efforts to cover the costs of their trip to the 2026 National Memorial Day Parade in Washington, D.C.

The takeaway

The community of Bessemer is rallying behind its local drum and bugle corps, the Marty's Goldenaires, to ensure they can represent Michigan at the prestigious National Memorial Day Parade in Washington, D.C. Grassroots fundraising efforts like bake sales demonstrate the town's pride and support for this important community organization.