Memorial Day Parades Near Me - How I Found The Best Ones

Memorial Day, May 30th is a federal holiday in the United States that honors those who gave their lives for their country. If you wonder how to see memorial day parades near me, you must know that on the last Monday of May every year when summer officially begins. The 2022 Memorial Day holiday is on Monday, May 30th.

How Is Memorial Day Observed?

We observe Memorial Day in a variety of ways. Each state has its own customs and procedures for remembering this solemn occasion. Many of these customs date back more than a century!

The most common Memorial Day activities include:

To commemorate the deceased, visit local cemeteries and pay respect to the graves of fallen military personnel. This custom dates back to the Civil War.
Visiting memorials and graves of famous soldiers, such as Gettysburg National Cemetery, PA, and Arlington Cemetery, WA.
Attending Memorial Day parades and listening to speeches from military veterans, as well as viewing wreath-laying ceremonies. Many communities organize their own events.
Hosting a family gathering. Although the occasion is somber and contemplative, it offers a three-day holiday at the start of summer. Many individuals schedule family activities or day excursions to local beauty spots on Memorial Day weekend.

What Is The Origin Of Memorial Day?

Memorial Day is rooted in the American Civil War, which began with the devastation of lives on both sides.

In 1868, General John A. Logan called for a formal holiday to commemorate dead soldiers. This was known as Decoration Day, and it would take place on May 30th of the same year.

The practice of recognizing all war deaths on an annual basis had begun by then, and it continues to this day.

What Are The Top Five Memorial Day Facts?

Only one of the towns and cities that claim to have originated Memorial Day has the federal seal of approval: Waterloo, New York.

vintage american flag on old classic car at cruise in car show, retro style
In 2000, the National Moment of Remembrance Act was inscribed into law by President Bill Clinton. At 3 p.m. on Memorial Day, Americans are encouraged to pause for a minute to remember the fallen soldiers of the United States.
Rochester, Wisconsin holds the distinction of having the longest-running Memorial Day parade. Since 1867, their Memorial Day parade has taken place every year!
The United States flag is lowered to half-staff on Memorial Day to commemorate those who died while serving in the military.
The date was chosen to celebrate the end of winter, according to one theory, because spring flowers are in bloom.

Cities throughout the country organize Memorial Day parades to reunite families and pay tribute to their deceased heroes, as well as veterans in their local communities. There’ll be a parade near you, even if you’ve never attended one before.

Where To See Memorial Day Parades Near Me?

Scroll down to discover some of the greatest and most spectacular Memorial Day parades to attend this weekend.

New York City

In addition to the slew of events taking place throughout New York City on Memorial Day, it’s also the final weekend for Fleet Week in the city.

Brooklyn:

If you’re in Brooklyn, visit the Kings County Memorial Day Parade, which has been taking place for more than 150 years.

On May 30, 2022, Veterans, bands, civic and corporate groups, schools and church organizations will all be welcome to take part in Brooklyn’s 155th Memorial Day Parade.

Queens

The Littleneck-Douglaston Memorial Day Parade, which is billed as the country’s largest (or so it claims), will be held on May 25th.

Some of us put in hundreds of hours over several months. Others just show up that morning to take part in one of the many activities that go into putting on one of the country’s largest continuously-held Memorial Day parades.

The Memorial Day celebration goes ahead as usual at 2 p.m. on Memorial Day, rain or shine!

Chicago

Would you be in Chicago for Memorial Day? The Chicago Memorial Day Parade will begin on Lake Street and travel all the way down to Van Buren Street on Saturday, May 25. The celebration starts at 11 a.m.

A wreath-laying will take place in Daley Plaza before the procession on November 20th.

Washington, D.C.

A wonderful opportunity to commemorate Memorial Day is in the nation’s capital.

There will be plenty of things to do throughout the weekend, but Monday’s Parade will begin at 2 p.m. The National Memorial Day Parade goes down Constitution Avenue and may even be viewed live on YouTube if you are not in Washington, DC.

Los Angeles

The annual Canoga Park Memorial Day Parade will be held on Monday, May 27 at 8 a.m., and it’ll include floats, marching bands, and horses. The goal of the parade is to remember the cost of freedom.

The Topanga Days Parade is also held on the third day of the celebration, on the final day. The procession begins at 8:30 a.m.

Detroit

When I want to find out memorial day parades near me, in the Detroit area, I may participate in a variety of parades.

On Monday, May 28, the Memorial Day Parade will begin in Dearborn and feature a Gold Star father as Grand Marshal. The Royal Oak parade will commence on Main Street at 9 a.m.

Dallas

If you’re traveling to Texas this holiday, your itinerary has already been arranged. In Dallas, the 81st annual Memorial Day Parade will begin at 9 a.m. on Monday, May 27, in the Back Mountain.

On Saturday, May 25, a Wreath Laying Ceremony will be held at Veterans Memorial Park with performances by The Powell Brothers, Tatiana LadyMay Mayfield, and Jonathan Tyler.

Boston

What could be more American than visiting the country’s most beautiful metropolises?

A number of parades will be celebrated in and around Boston, as well as our advice is to go see the Garden of Flags in front of the Soldiers and Sailors Monument on Boston Common, which honors each of the Massachusetts service members who have died defending our freedom since the Revolutionary War.

Seattle

On Memorial Day, expect some amazing weather in Seattle, which is the perfect reason to attend the Rose Festival CityFair, which will tell continuous carnival activities beginning Monday, May 27. A starlight procession is also scheduled.

For more information about previous years’ events, visit the city’s website. Observe the annual procession that begins at 11 a.m. and finishes at City Hall in Mill Creek for a more traditional Memorial Day celebration.

Miami

In the last days of May, the residents of Miami Beach may enjoy themselves at the Miami Beach Air and Sea Show, when all five branches of the military – The Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard – will be present.

We feel BDTW is a far superior name to a parade. But, here’s a comprehensive list of parades taking place in South Florida just in case you were looking for one.