Memorial Day 2024 ceremonies and parades in Delaware (2024)

Following the first official weekend of summer comes a day of remembrance for those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Memorial Day, which falls on Monday, May 27, this year, means plenty of local ceremonies and parades around the state. Poppies, a common symbol for fallen military members, and American flags will be aplenty that Monday. Don’t worry if you forget to bring your own, many events will hand them out to attendees.

Here are some of the events happening around the state taking place in honor of Memorial Day. Don’t forget to check in with local parishes or war memorials for other ceremonies and events taking place this Memorial Day.

Newark Memorial Day Ceremony and Parade

Sunday, May 19, University of Delaware's Green and Newark's Main Street

Newark’s Memorial Day ceremony and parade takes place on the third Sunday in May every year. A ceremony honoring U.S. veterans will take place on the Green of the University of Delaware campus. The ceremony will include drills, the presentation of flags, patriotic music and the firing of a cannon.

At 2 p.m., immediately following the ceremony will be the Main Street parade, in which veterans from all branches will have the chance to participate.

The parade will start at South College venue and continue until the end of Chapel Street.

Wilmington Memorial Day Observance & Parade

Thursday, May 30, Delaware and Woodlawn avenues, Wilmington

The Wilmington Memorial Day Parade, held every year on May 30, is the oldest continuous parade in the country; going on its 157th year publicly honoring and commemorating veterans from all U.S wars.

The tradition dates back to 1868, when Wilmington residents placed flowers on the gravesites of Civil War soldiers. Three years later, Wilmington’s oldest public monument was erected, the Soldiers & Sailor Monument, which henceforth became an integral part of the Memorial Day tradition in Wilmington.

The parade starts at 6 p.m. and begins at Delaware and Woodlawn avenues and makes its way down Delaware Avenue to the Soldiers & Sailor Monument on Broom Street.

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New Castle's Memorial Day Service

Thursday, May 30, Veterans Memorial Park, 163 Cherry Lane, New Castle

Dating back to 1868, the Memorial Day Service, sponsored by the Delaware Commission of Veteran Affairs and hosted by the Delaware River and Bay Authority, honors fallen soldiers from Delaware and New Jersey. The event involves speeches from veterans, music and a moment of silence to recognize the sacrifices made.

Veterans Memorial Park is one of just 68 locations across the nation recognized by the National Veterans Day Committee as a hosting site for Memorial and Veterans Day ceremonies.

The service takes place from 10:30 a.m. until noon.

Rehoboth's Memorial Day Events

Multiple ceremonies will be taking place in Rehoboth Beach on Memorial Day.

From 9 to 9:30 a.m. Gay Women of Rehoboth will host a ceremony honoring women veterans and first responders at the Rehoboth bandstand.

A few hours later, American Legion Post 5 will host a Memorial Day Ceremony, including a keynote speaker, a commemorative wreath placement and patriotic songs. This event will also take place at the Rehoboth bandstand from 11 a.m. until noon.

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Lewes Memorial Day Parade

Lewes also will be hosting a series of Memorial Day events on Monday, May 27.

Starting at 10 a.m., the annual community Memorial Day Wreath Laying Ceremony will take place at the Lewes Presbyterian Church at 133 Kings Highway.

An hour later, just behind the Presbyterian Church, the Memorial Day Parade will begin on Schley Avenue. The parade will maneuver to Savannah Road, travel over the canal and end at Post 17. Afterwards a Memorial Day Ceremony will take place at around 1 p.m. in the Pavilion.

Any military member currently serving and all veterans are invited to join in the activities. Those interested in participating or who know a veteran whom you wish to honor can contact Murt Foos at 302-706-0213 or via email at murtfoos@yahoo.com.

Milford Memorial Day Program

Monday, May 27, Milford High School's Gerald W. Thompson Center for the Performing Arts

Beginning at 10:30 a.m. on May 27, a Memorial Day ceremony will take place in Milford High School.

The event will feature a guest speaker from the Dover Air Force Base who is in charge of services for the families of fallen veterans as well as a World War II veteran. The Milford Community Band also will be in attendance to play patriotic music, and presentations will be given recognizing local POWs, MIAs and Gold Star Families.

Molly McVety covers community and environmental issues around Delaware. Contact her atmmcvety@delawareonline.com. Follow her on Twitter@mollymcvety.