Memorial Day Parades in the Albany, NY Area
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This is still being updated for 2024. If the event is in [brackets], that means it's typically held at this time, but we haven't found 2024 confirmation yet.
Anyone can have a parade. Only Americans can have a parade to celebrate the greatest political achievements in history: establishing and repeatedly defending a country founded on the principle of individual liberty. Memorial Day, which was originally called Decoration Day because it was a day on which the graves of fallen soldiers were decorated, was established in the years after the Civil War to honor those who died in that war. Today, it is a day of remembrance of all who have died in this country's service.
Bravery. Honor. In President Lincoln's famous words, giving the last full measure of devotion to the defense of freedom. These are difficult ideas to explain to children, but it is our responsibility as parents to do it.
Start by bringing your kids to the Memorial Day Parade in your town. During the parade, demonstrate for them the solemnity and gratitude due to the veterans who march past. Take off your hats as they go by. Explain to your kids why we show respect for the flag. With them, cheer for the bands and salute the men and women in our police and fire departments. Think about those currently serving our country in the military around the world, and, perhaps, reflect with your children about the gratitude we owe their courage. Follow the lead of IAVA (the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America) and pledge to take a moment of silence at 12:01 pm ET on Memorial Day to honor those veterans who have lost their lives since 9/11. If you know parents with a child in the military, take a few minutes to find a way to convey your thanks.
Click here for a brief history of Memorial Day in the U.S., courtesy of the Waterloo, NY web site. Below the following list of dates and times for this year, we have compiled some other good links for those of you ambitious enough to explore further the meaning of Memorial Day.
Also note: If you are marching in a parade, line-up is usually about 1/2 hour before the start of the parade.
Thursday, May 23, 2024
City of Cohoes Memorial Day Procession: The procession will begin at 6 pm at Veteran's Memorial Park on Columbia Street, then east on Columbia Street, north on Remsen Street to Canal Square.
Rotterdam Memorial Day Parade: The parade is scheduled to start at 6:30 pm sharp, starting at Warrior Path-Mohonasen High School.
Schoharie Memorial Day Parade: Line up will start at 5 pm with the parade starting at 6 pm. It will run from bridge street down to the Old Stone Fort where a ceremony will be held honoring those who have served our country, we encourage everyone to come and be a part of this. After the ceremony, please join us back at the Firehouse for a community open house with food and refreshments
Saturday, May 25, 2024
East Greenbush Parade: Parade will step off at 10 am from the EG Bowling Center and proceed towards Melvin Roads American Legion Post 1231.
Lake George Memorial Day Parade: The Lake George American Legion Post Memorial Day parade steps off from West Brook Road at 11:30 a.m. and travels to Shepard Park. The parade is followed by a service at the Veterans Memorial in Shepard Park.
Sunday, May 26, 2024
City of Rensselaer Memorial Day Ceremony and Parade: Opening Ceremonies will begin at 1 pm. The parade begins at 2 pm and proceeds down Washington Avenue to Broadway continuing on to Third Avenue. The parade ends at Huyck Square Veteran's Park on the corner of Washington Street and Third Avenue.
Monday, May 27, 2024
Kingston Memorial Day Ceremony: The ceremony will begin promptly at 1 pm in Veterans’ Park in front of City Hall, located at 420 Broadway. At 1:45 pm, the Memorial Day parade will step off from Andrew St. and will proceed along Broadway toward Uptown Kingston.
Castleton/Schodack Memorial Day Parade: The annual Castleton/Schodack Memorial Day Parade will kick off at 10 am from the corner of Boltwood and Seaman Avenues and will conclude with a brief ceremony at Mountain View Cemetery.
Rotterdam Memorial Day Service: at Rotterdam Town Hall at 2:30 pm
Hoosick Falls Memorial Day Services & Parade: Hoosick VFW Post 40's parade kicks off at 10 am sharp, and the morning ceremony is at 8 am starting in the park.
Inlet Wreath Laying: Join American Legion Post 1402at 9 am for their annual Memorial Day Wreath Lying Ceremony at Legion Square in front of Inlet Town Hall. Then follow them to the Raquette Lake Library to do it again at 10 am.
Lake George Memorial Day Ceremony at Battlefield Park: Lake George Battlefield Alliance's Memorial Day Remembrance of the 4 Unknown Soldiers will begin at 10:30 am.
Long Lake Memorial Day Parade: The wreath laying takes place at the bridge is followed by a parade starting at the Long Lake Fire Hall, ending at the Long Lake Cemetery for a Ceremony.
Sand Lake Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony: The Parade begins at 10 am and the route is from Averill Ave. in Westfall Village to the Sand Lake Veteran’s Memorial Park on NYS Route 43. Ceremonies will begin at about 10:30 am in the Veterans Park.
Schenectady's Vale Cemetery Service: The Vale Cemetery will observe Memorial Day at 10:30 am, May 27 with a formal ceremony. “Taps,” a flag raising, and the National Anthem will be on the program. Veterans’ groups representing all military branches will participate. Local dignitaries will speak briefly at the Veterans’ Plot.