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Memorial Day across the South Coast offers more than parades and solemn ceremonies. Communities from New Bedford to Wareham will pause to remember those who died in military service through waterfront tributes, processions, and local traditions.
Commemorative events are scheduled throughout the holiday weekend with wreath-layings, military honors, and community gatherings.
New Bedford
New Bedford Civil War Round Table
The New Bedford Civil War Round Table will hold its annual Memorial Day service on Saturday, May 23, at 9 a.m. at Rural Cemetery’s Civil War veterans’ plot.
The ceremony honors New Bedford residents who served in the Civil War and continues the tradition of remembrance that began with Decoration Day. Coffee and donuts will follow the service.
Remembrance and Blessing of the Fleet
A Memorial Day remembrance along New Bedford’s historic waterfront begins Monday, May 25. A 9:30 a.m. procession starts at Seamen’s Bethel and leads to a 10 a.m. ceremony at Pier 3.
Rain will move services indoors at Seamen’s Bethel. Pre-registration is encouraged.
New Bedford American Legion Post One will conduct a Memorial Day exercise on Sunday, May 24, at 10 a.m. at the Veterans’ plot at Pine Grove Cemetery.
Vietnam Veterans Honor Roll Ceremony
New Bedford American Legion Post One will hold a Memorial Day exercise Sunday, May 24, at noon at the Vietnam Veterans’ Honor Roll on the William Street side of City Hall.
New Bedford American Legion Post One will conduct a Memorial Day exercise on Monday, May 25, 8:15 a.m. at the Veterans’ plot at Rural Cemetery.
New Bedford Memorial Day Parade
The New Bedford Memorial Day Parade steps off Monday, May 25, at 11:30 a.m. Participants will begin assembling at 10:30 a.m. at Hathaway Boulevard and Parker Street. The parade will travel along Parker, County, and Pope streets before ending at Clasky Common Park.
James Hartley, a Desert Storm-era Air Force veteran, will serve as grand marshal. A service follows with the Gettysburg Address, Logan’s Orders, and a roll call honoring deceased New Bedford veterans.
This year’s parade is presented by the City of New Bedford, the Veterans’ Services Department, the City Council, and the Veterans’ Advisory Board.
Dartmouth
Dartmouth’s annual Memorial Day Parade starts at 9 a.m. Monday, May 25, in Padanaram. Residents with classic vehicles interested in participating may contact Veterans Service Agent Matthew Brouillette at 508-762-8301.
Fairhaven
Fairhaven’s Memorial Day Parade begins at 9 a.m. on Monday, May 25. Participants assemble at 8:30 a.m. at Union and Main streets in North Fairhaven, then proceed past Fairhaven High School and conclude with a ceremony at Riverside Cemetery. Veterans are encouraged to participate.
A post-parade reception follows at the Fairhaven Senior Center. Rain will move the ceremony indoors.
Fall River
Fall River will mark Memorial Day with its annual Parade and Ceremony at 1:30 p.m. Monday, May 25. The procession begins at Kennedy Park and follows South Main Street to Government Center.
Veterans’ groups, marching bands, and community organizations will participate in the observance.
Memorial Day at Battleship Cove is one of the region’s largest observances honoring fallen service members. The annual ceremony begins at noon on Monday, May 25, at 5 Water St.
The remembrance includes a 21-gun salute and tributes to Gold Star families. Visitors gather beside the historic naval ships each year to remember those who died in military service.
Additional events in Fall River:
Saturday, May 23
Italian American War Veterans Ceremony, 7 p.m.
Veterans Memorial Bicentennial Park
Gold Star Families Candlelight Vigil, 8:45 p.m.
Veterans Memorial Bicentennial Park
Sunday, May 24
Polish American War Veterans Monument Ceremony, 8 a.m.
Blessed Trinity Church, Mass and breakfast follow the ceremony.
Griffin Park Memorial Ceremony, 10 a.m.
Corky Row Club
Monday, May 25
Global War on Terror Monument Ceremony,10 a.m.
North Park
Marion
Memorial Day Remembrances and Procession
Marion’s Memorial Day Remembrances and Procession start Monday, May 25, at 9 a.m. at the Music Hall, 164 Front St. Rain plans move the parade to Sippican Elementary School.
The Sippican School Marching Band and Portuguese American Band will perform before a procession along Front Street to the Veterans Memorial at Old Landing, where a ceremony and wreath-laying will honor those who died in military service.
Mattapoisett
Memorial Day Commemoration and Procession
Mattapoisett’s annual Memorial Day ceremony begins at 1:30 p.m. Monday, May 25, at Center School. The program features guest speakers and patriotic music from the Showstoppers and Old Hammondtown Band. The festivities continue with a procession along Barstow Street to the library and concludes at the town wharf in remembrance of those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Rochester
The Memorial Day ceremony in Rochester is at noon Sunday, May 24, at Town Hall. Guest speakers, patriotic music by the Showstoppers and Rochester Memorial School Band, and the Troop 31 Honor Guard are part of the program.
Activities conclude with a procession to Daggett Square in tribute to those who gave their lives in service to the country.
Annual Memorial Day Boat and Kayak Race
Rochester’s annual Memorial Day Boat and Kayak Race begins at 8:30 a.m. Monday, May 25, along the Mattapoisett River at Grandma Hartley’s Reservoir. The race features homemade boats and kayaks, as well as divisions for adults, juniors, and families. Pre-registration is required.
Wareham
Wareham will observe Memorial Day on Monday, May 25. There will be memorials across town paying tribute to veterans and the fallen. Events begin at 8:30 a.m. at Dudley L. Brown Square and at cemeteries, memorials, and Town Hall through 11 a.m.
Ceremonies include wreath presentations, honor guards, and the playing of taps. Local veterans’ groups, militia companies, JROTC members, and community organizations will participate.
Email Toni Delgado-Green at tdgreen@newbedfordlight.org.