Memorial Day - It's more than just a three-day weekend and the unofficial start of summer, it is the day we celebrate those who have died serving our nation. Originally called Decoration Day and first observed on May 30, 1868, Memorial Day is one of America’s favorite traditions.
The first long weekend of the summer season brings families and friends together to enjoy a barbecue, a day at the beach, a hike on one of the area’s many trails or to watch a good, old-fashioned Memorial Day parade.
To help you plan for your holiday weekend, we have put together a list of parades (and other celebrations) being held this Memorial Day in some of our favorite towns of Acton, Carlisle, Concord, Chelmsford, Groton, Littleton and Westford!
Acton
There is so much to love about the town of Acton, this active community celebrates their New England heritage all summer long and Memorial Day is no exception.
Grab your chairs and watch the annual Memorial Day parade. The parade starts at 10am at Gates School and then moves along Spruce Street to Mass Avenue to Windsor Avenue and then on to the Mt. Hope Cemetery, where there will be a ceremony honoring the towns’ veterans.
After the parade why not visit the Actor Arboretum or spend the day at Nara Park opening on Saturday, May 26th, just in time for the long weekend!
Boston
One of the reasons we love living in the area is its proximity to Boston. So, what better way to spend the holiday weekend than by taking a trip to Boston.
One of the most breathtaking Memorial Day events in the area occurs annually at the Boston Common when the grounds are awash in over 40,000 American flags. This year marks the 72nd Annual Memorial Day Garden of Flags ceremony to honor those who have died in wars defending our country and freedom. Walk through the commons, listen to the many speeches or bring a picnic and enjoy the commons.
There are numerous other activities to do on Boston, including free admission at the Museum of Fine Arts and Mount Auburn Cemetery (America’s very first garden cemetery). For music lovers, a free “Honor & Tribute” concert featuring the Metropolitan Wind Symphony Orchestra will be hosted, and the Boston Calling music festival will occur throughout Memorial Day weekend.
Carlisle
For those lucky enough to call Carlisle home (or their neighbor) this beautiful town has so much to offer; a cute town center with Fern’s Country store, biking and hiking, Clark Farm, Kimball Farm, Seawright Day Lily Farm and yes, a good old-fashioned hometown parade. This year’s parade will feature boy and girl scouts, veterans, civic organizations and local politicians all participating in the annual Memorial Day parade, which commences downtown at 9 am. Following the parade, Memorial Day ceremonies will begin at 9:45 am honoring our war heroes.
Chelmsford
Chelmsford may be famous for their 4th of July celebrations, but they don’t skip out on honoring America’s heroes with the yearly Memorial Day parade.
The parade begins at 9:30 am near the Chelmsford Library and makes a loop through the Center to Boston Road, Chelmsford Street, Fletcher Road, right onto North Road and then a left onto Worthen and Westford Streets ending at the Town Common with a brief ceremony to follow!
After the parade explore one of New England's oldest colonial cemeteries – the Forefathers Burying Ground in Chelmsford, Massachusetts where you will recognize many of the names from history lessons or take a walk or ride on the Bruce Freeman Trail.
Concord
You have to love the town of Concord, with so many historical monuments and parks, a simply charming town center and boating on the Concord River, you could spend hours exploring one of the area’s most popular towns.
In a town all about history and honoring those who have served and died for our freedom, it is no surprise that they celebrate Memorial Day with a traditional holiday parade, flags and wreath laying ceremonies.
The day’s activities begin at 8:30am at Rideout Field and proceeds to Kenneth Dunn Square with a flag raising ceremony and continues with a parade that meanders along Keys Road to Monument Square.
Groton
The Memorial Day Parade in Groton will be held on Monday, May 28th, with participation from veterans, the Groton Minutemen, community groups and town selectmen. The parade starts at 9am at the Legion hall and makes its way to the Cemetery at the Longley, Chicopee, Blossom intersection with stops at memorial plaques along the way!
Start your day at the annual pancake breakfast at the Groton Grange Hall from 7:30 to 10:30 am, complete with different types of delicious pancakes and refreshments.
Littleton
Littleton, once voted best place to raise kids, is all about family celebrations and the kick off to Memorial Day is just an example. Watch the annual parade, which starts at 9:30 from Donelan’s Supermarket and marches to the Westlawn Cemetery with stops along the way.
And, don’t miss the super fun Memorial Day Barbecue at the Littleton VFW immediately following the parade.
Make sure to plan time to hike one of the trails at Oak Hill Conservation Site or visit Springbrook Farm for fresh produce.
Westford
Westford has numerous activities occurring during Memorial Day. On Sunday, head to the Westford Common for a reading of the honor roll at 10:45 am and Main Street for a parade of scout groups, veterans, service organizations, and the Westford Minutemen at 12 pm. The laying of wreaths on Westford Common memorials and American flags on the graves of veterans will also commence. After, stop by Mill Works to play in or watch a basketball tournament. The young and the young at heart will appreciate the Gold Star BBQ held on Saturday at the 4H Fairgrounds complete with a craft center, relay races, food, and lots more.
Have a safe and happy Memorial Day weekend from The Thompson Team!
