What to know about this year’s Memorial Day Parade

Memorial Day is May 26 and the town of Dartmouth will once again host its annual parade to honor those who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

The parade will kick off at 9 a.m. at Apponagansett Park on Gulf Road and will proceed across the Padanaram Bridge and Causeway where the VFW Ladies Auxiliary will conduct the ceremonial wreath placement with the help of the girl scouts. 

The rifle volley is also back this year and will take place at the bridge along with the playing of “Taps” and a prayer, according to Dartmouth Veteran Service Officer Matthew Brouillette.

After that, the procession will turn left onto Elm Street and proceed to the Elm Street Cemetery for a ceremony including brief remarks by Select Board Chair Heidi Silva Brooks. Here, the reading of the names of Dartmouth’s fallen soldiers will take place. Also new this year, a scout is being asked to place a wreath at the cemetery as well.

In a change from previous years, the parade ends at Russells Mills Road and there will not be a third gathering by the World War I memorial outside the old police station.

Continuing to serve as the grand marshal is Gold Star father Gerald Enos, whose son Peter died in Iraq in 2004.

Brouillette said so far, a number of classic and exotic cars are set to join the festivities, but there is still time to sign up.

Additionally, the parade will see appearances from Dartmouth’s Police and Fire, the Dartmouth Girls Athletic League, Pack 74 Scouts, the VFW and American Legion.

Any questions or concerns can be addressed to the Dartmouth Veterans Services Office at 508-910-1818.