Parade steps off from City Hall at 3:00 p.m.

The 2018 Somerville Veterans Memorial Parade is gearing up for an incredible display on Sunday, May 20, beginning at 3:00 p.m. from Somerville City Hall. This will be second year that the parade has been moved from the traditional Sunday on Memorial Day Weekend slot to the Armed Services Weekend which is the third weekend in May. The Parade also kicks off Memorial Week in Somerville, which includes additional events to honor the City’s veterans. The parade will have 94 units, including Somerville officials, community groups and organizations, the Somerville Police and Fire Departments, local, regional, and national veterans’ organizations and members from each of the armed service branches, and much more. The parade route continues along Highland Ave. through Davis Sq., ending at the intersection of Holland St. and Broadway in Teele Sq.

Why not hold the parade on Memorial Day Weekend?

Moving the Parade from Memorial Day Weekend allows many more military and Veterans units to participate. The date change also ensures the community as a whole is available to participate in the festivities and celebrate the service and sacrifice of our Veterans, military, National Guard, Reserves, Police, Fire and first responders.

“Memorial Day is a time to reflect on and honor the men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. It is a time of commemoration, and Somerville is proud to have members of our armed forces join us for our parade, made possible by this date change,” said Director of Veterans Services Bryan Bishop. “Holding our parade during Armed Forces Weekend is a true celebration of service and it prepares us to commemorate the sacrifice of those who gave their last full measure of devotion to guarantee our freedoms and to preserve our democracy.”

Memorial Week Events

Additional events are planned throughout Memorial Week in Somerville, as follows:

·         Somerville Heroes Salute: Dedicating Heroes Squares for Somerville Veterans, and presenting the Profile in Courage Award to Medal of Honor recipient Thomas Kelly

o   Saturday, May 19, 11 a.m., Somerville High School Auditorium

 ·         Honor and Remembrance: Commemorating the Fallen. Roll Call Ceremony.

o   Wednesday, May 23, 7 p.m., Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery (Broadway across from Clarendon Hill Towers)

For more information and updates, always check the City’s website: www.somervillema.gov. If you have questions about Veterans services or events, contact Bryan Bishop at 617-625-6600 ext. 4710 or bbishop@somervillema.gov.

Individuals with disabilities who need auxiliary aids and services for effective communication, written materials in alternative formats, or reasonable modifications in policies and procedures, in order to access the programs and activities of the City of Somerville or to attend meetings, should contact the City’s ADA Coordinator, Nency Salamoun, at 617-625-6600 x2323 or NSalamoun@somervillema.gov .