RELATED STORY: MEMORIAL DAY 2019 Parade Schedule and more
MANCHESTER, NH — Historically, Memorial Day started as Decoration Day, a fixed holiday on May 30, so named in 1868 as a day to break from the routine of life and honor our Civil War dead by decorating their graves.
Much about how we celebrate this day has changed over time, including when we celebrate, and even the holiday’s name.
Too many of us take for granted the opportunity to remember those who have served and died. We sleep in, plan a picnic or barbecue, head to the beach or the mountains for some relaxation and family time.
And that’s all good.
But especially now that so many of us here at home understand, first-hand, the sacrifice made by those who serve in the U.S. military, we wanted to highlight a few ways to honor those who’ve served while you’re also enjoying some family time.
You can plan to attend this year’s Memorial Day Service at the VA Hospital at 10 a.m., or the annual Memorial Day Parade, which begins May 30 at 2 p.m. on Elm Street.
If you’d like to, click here to submit a photo a veteran you’d like to honor and we’ll add them to our Memorial Day 2016 gallery.
You’ll find some event highlights below, including holiday, music and family fun events in and around Manchester. Or, find even more regional events at VisitNH.gov.
May 27:
Lisbon Lilac Festival (Memorial Day Theme) May 27-29
Catfish Howell LIVE! 7:00 pm @ N’Awlin’s Grille
Jose & Patti: Neil Diamond and friends 7:30 pm @ The Palace Theatre
Amoskeag Studio presents Steven Kirby 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm @ Amoskeag Studio
Queen City Soul at Queen’s Pub 9 p.m.
May 28
Chowderfest & Brews at Waterville Valley (May 28-30)
Groove Cats LIVE! 7:00 pm @ N’Awlin’s Grille
Stunt Double Riot at Queen’s Pub, 9 p.m.
May 29
Wildquack Duck Festival, Jackson, NH
Groove Cats LIVE! 7:00 pm @ N’Awlin’s Grille
Fireworks at Hampton Beach, 9:30 p.m.
May 30
Memorial Day Service, Manchester VA Medical Center, 10:30 a.m.
Pulpit Rock WWII Tower Tour, Rye
Fisher Cats: Memorial Day – Welcome Home Celebration 1:35 pm @ Northeast Delta Dental Stadium
Manchester Memorial Day Parade 2 p.m. – 4:30 pm @ Elm Street
Chowderfest & Brews at Waterville Valley
Margarita’s Trivia Night 8:00 pm @ Margaritas Mexican Restaurant
Another idea:
NH State Parks are open for OHRV vehicle riding on the trails. Click here to find a park near you.
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