UPDATE: May 29, 12:45 p.m. Rain seems inevitable, but according to all sources the parade is still on, so grab your umbrellas and find your perch on Elm Street for the 2017 Memorial Day Parade. – CR
UPDATE: May 29, 10 a.m. There is a possibility that the city’s Memorial Day Parade will be postponed due to inclement weather. We’ll update this story as soon as a decision has been made by the city. – CR
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.
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 2017 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. Did we miss something? Send your event to robidouxnews@gmail.com.
Manchester, NH
Memorial Day Parade
When: Monday, May 29, 2017; 2 p.m.
Parade route: Parade route starts along Elm and Webster Streets, goes along Elm Street and ends at Veteran’s Park in Manchester.
Annual Memorial Day Ceremony at Manchester VA
Monday, May 29 at 10:30 a.m., outside the Manchester VA Medical Center, 716 Smyth Road, weather permitting,.
NH Fisher Cats May 29 vs. Reading Fightin Phils
Memorial Day – Welcome Home Celebration. Join us as we celebrate America and welcome home those who served to protect it on Memorial Day, presented by Amoskeag Beverages.
Bedford Memorial Day Hometown Parade
When: Sunday, May 28, 2017, 1 p.m.
Parade route: Parade starts at Bedford High School’s driveway, goes down to County Road and up to Liberty Hill Road, and ends at McKelvie Intermediate School.
New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen, NH
Memorial Day Ceremony
When: Monday, May 29, 2017; 11 a.m.
FYI: Please plan to arrive by 10:30 a.m. Seating is limited and attendees are encouraged to bring a lawn chair. The ceremony normally runs for one hour.
Concord, NH
Memorial Day Parade
When: Monday, May 29, 2017; 9 a.m.
Parade route: Parade starts along Main Street and Pleasant Street to Main Street and Franklin Street and Franklin Street and North State Street to North State Street and Capitol Street. The parade then marches south on North State Street to the Statehouse plaza for a closing ceremony.
Goffstown, NH
Memorial Day Parade
When: Monday, May 29, 2017
Parade route: Along Main Street.
