Memorial Day events slated around region
NASHUA – As it does each year, the Memorial Day parade steps off from Holman Stadium.
But new this year, the reviewing stand has been pushed south, to in front of the Bank of New England, 295 Main St., from its old location by City Hall.
Groups will gather at 9:30 a.m., with the parade beginning at 10:30 a.m.
Memorial Day commemorations begin at 8 a.m., with veterans groups visiting various cemeteries for wreath-laying ceremonies.
Here’s what’s happening in other towns around the region:
Amherst
The annual Friday Evening Sunset Parade, scheduled for May 29, allows for the participation of all citizens who wish to gather to observe Memorial Day in a traditional respectful way. Veterans, Scouts, and the citizenry are welcome to join the parade in recognition of those who have died in service to their country, be they military, foreign service, civil service, fire, police, and/or rescue service personnel. All veterans young and old are encouraged to participate.
The schedule is:
n 5:30 p.m.: Village parade forms with dignitaries on Middle Street and others on the large common
n 6 p.m.: Parade steps off. Stops at four village cemeteries and monuments.
n 7 p.m.: Post-parade ceremonies (time is approximate) on the large common.
The parade goes on light-rain or shine; excepting thunderstorms.
For further information, contact Memorial Day observation chair Marie Grella at 673-4905 or mgf1225@aol.com.
Hollis/Brookline
On Monday, residents of both Hollis and Brookline are invited to a 9 a.m. Memorial Day service outside the Brookline Town Hall.
At 11 a.m., members of the Hollis Brookline High School Tri-M Music Honors Society will be hosting a recognition brunch and musical program for veterans at the Lawrence Barn.
The holiday ends with a solemn, Memorial Day ceremony that begins at 5:30 p.m. on the Hollis Town Common.
The annual event will include speeches, music, and a ceremonial reenactment by the Third New Hampshire Regiment of the American Revolution, including the firing of muskets and the placing of wreaths at Memorial Park, located opposite the town common.
Hudson
The parade starts at 2 p.m., beginning at the Hannaford on Route 102. It will continue west to Library Park for a short ceremony and then to the American Legion on Fulton Street.
Litchfield
None.
Lyndeborough
Observances will be held Sunday, May 24. Events are hosted by the Lafayette Artillery Company. The schedule is:
n 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.: Luncheon at Citizens’ Hall.
n 1 p.m.: Parade steps off from Central School, proceeds to library for services including a rifle salute by the artillery; Black River Fife and Drum Corps.
The parade then returns to the common and disbands, followed by traditional ceremonies, an Abraham Lincoln impersonator, readings by students and fife and drum music.
Following ceremonies the Lafayette Artillery Company will fire the cannon on the railroad tracks.
Merrimack
A parade will start Monday at 11 a.m. at the Rite Aid parking lot on Daniel Webster Highway. The parade will proceed to the Last Rest Cemetery to the Veteran’s Monument where a short ceremony will be held. The parade will then proceed to the American Legion Post 98 on Baboosic Lake Road, where the band will conduct a short concert. At 1 p.m. there will be a ceremony at Veteran’s Park on Camp Sargent Road. At 2 p.m. there is a ceremony at the VFW Post 8641, where plaques will be placed on the Veteran’s Memorial Wall.
Milford
Milford’s Memorial Day ceremonies begin at 8:30 a.m. on Monday when members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion visit memorials that are not on the parade route, including the Daughters of the American Revolution memorial in the Elm Street cemetery and the Civil War memorial at the Wadleigh Memorial Library fountain.
Then at 10 a.m. the parade starts at the West Street cemetery and marches down to the Korean War memorial on Elm Street, then to the bridge memorial for a wreath-laying ceremony, then to the World War II memorial at Memorial Park, then to the Oval and the World War I memorial.
The parade ends at the VFW hall, where there will be ceremonies in honor of Vietnam veterans. Some of the participants will then travel to the Veterans Memorial Bridge in west Milford for ceremonies.
In case of rain, ceremonies will be held in the Town Hall auditorium at 10 a.m.
Mont Vernon
None.
Wilton
The Wilton Memorial Day Parade will be held Monday at 9am. Parade will start at the Wilton American Legion Post Home with the ceremonies to be held at Memorial Park across from the Masonic Temple Lodge. Refreshments will be served at Legion Post Home.