The Town of East Greenwich proudly announces their annual Memorial Day Parade on Monday, May 27, 2019 at 10:00 AM.
The parade will step off from Academy Field and wind through the Hill and Harbor District by way of Mawney Street. It will then continue to First Avenue (Rt.401) for a brief wreath-laying ceremony at the World War II Memorial on the corner of Cliff Street. The parade will then proceed north on Main Street to the Town Hall for closing ceremonies to conclude at about 11:00 AM. Commander John Holmes with the East Greenwich American Legion Post 15 will continue as the Master of Ceremonies.
The “Lone Piper” Aaron Lindo will lead the parade which will feature Police and Fire Honor Guards, Elected Officials, Veteran Dignitaries and the always resplendent local militia groups the Kentish Guards and Varnum Continentals. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier float returns which reminds us all of the sacrifices made by American soldiers.
Spectators will be delighted by the return of The Nightlife Marching Band, and our own East Greenwich High School Band will be marching and providing patriotic favorites for young and old. Making their first appearance is the East Greenwich Community 4H Club co-led by Jan Cornell and Stacie Nichols. Numerous classic and antique cars will participate along with the ever patriotic Blue Knights Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club. Local fire companies will display an outstanding array of apparatus featuring antiques from the East Greenwich Veteran Fireman’s Association.
Closing ceremonies will include a recitation of the Gettysburg Address by Luke Simms, a student at Our Lady of Mercy. This parade, and the other Town parade on Veteran’s Day, is a long time tradition by one of a handful of Rhode Island communities who continue to honor the living and the dead of past conflicts. It is with a great deal of pride that the Town of East Greenwich sponsors these parades.
A temporary parking ban will be in effect on several of the streets surrounding Academy Field in order to accommodate parade vehicles.
There is NO RAIN DATE. In the event of inclement weather, a ceremony will be held inside the Swift Community Center, 121 Peirce Street, at 10am including participants from Divisions 1 and 2. All are welcome as capacity allows for.
For further information, call Leigh Carney, at (401) 886-8604 or (401) 261-7729.