Parade steps off at 11 a.m. from City Hall; Accessible parking spaces and viewing area available on first-come basis; Remembrance ceremony to follow on 5/25
SOMERVILLE— This weekend, events kick off in Somerville to honor the service and sacrifice of our veterans. First, join us this Saturday, May 16, for the ‘Salute to Service’ parade (also known as Somerville’s Memorial Day parade). Then on Monday, May 25, Somerville’s annual Memorial Day remembrance ceremony will be held at Veterans Cemetery.
This year’s event timeline is a special observance of Memorial Day, Armed Forces Day, and the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Both the parade and the Remembrance Ceremony will take place rain or shine. More details below.
2026 Events
Parade:
Date/Time: Saturday, May 16, at 11 a.m.
Starting Point: Somerville City Hall (93 Highland Ave.)
Accessibility:
o Ten temporary accessible parking spaces in the rear parking lot at the Somerville Armory (191 Highland Ave.). Please access via the driveway.
o Viewing area available along Highland Ave. at the Somerville Armory (191 Highland Ave.); spaces available on a first-come basis
Show your support with a salute, wave, or cheer as the parade makes its way in honor of those who served. Leading this year’s procession as Grand Marshals are Marine Corps. Vietnam veteran honoree and Somerville resident, Leo S. Mingace, along with members of the Gold Star Wives of America, Inc. including New England Region Secretary, Marion Dennehy. The parade steps off from City Hall (93 Highland Ave.) at 11 a.m. and will head west on Highland Ave., turning and proceeding onto Cedar St., turning from Cedar onto Franey Rd., and ending at Trum field.
Remembrance Ceremony:
Date/Time: Monday, May 25, at 11 a.m.
Location: Somerville Veterans Cemetery (between Alewife Brook Parkway and North Street)
Accessibility: Temporary accessible parking spaces available on the cemetery side of Broadway
Join us on Memorial Day, Monday, May 25, as community members, veterans, and city officials will gather to pay tribute to those who gave their lives in service to our country. The ceremony will include remarks from Mayor Wilson and Director of Veterans Services, Jerome Thomas.
Can’t attend in-person? The ceremony will be videotaped by Somerville’s CityTV team and broadcast after the event on GovTV (RCN channels 13 or 613; Comcast channel 22) and on the City’s YouTube channel (youtube.com/SomervilleCityTV).
For additional questions, please call (617) 625-6600 x4700 or email veterans@somervillema.gov. All event information is at somervillema.gov/memorialday.