Annual Memorial Day Parade
City of Summit
The City of Summit Department of Community Programs will hold its annual Memorial Day parade and ceremony on Monday, May 29, at 10 a.m. The parade honors the men and women who have lost their lives in military service to our country. It will begin at 25 Deforest Ave. and proceed to the Village Green.
Sponsored by the Summit Memorial Day Committee and the Summit Fourth of July and Celebration Committee, the parade will be led by members of the Summit American Legion Post #322. The Summit High School marching band, Summit Police Department, Summit Fire Department, Summit Volunteer First Aid Squad, and scout troops will also march in the parade.
All Summit civic, non-profit, and school groups are encouraged to make creative posters and displays and march along with veterans in the parade. Upon arrival at the Village Green, all registered groups will be invited to be judged by a group of veterans who will select the most patriotic group display. The winning group will receive a pizza party for up to 30 people. All participating organizations should line up in the parking lot behind 25 Deforest Avenue at 9:30AM.
Spectators are encouraged to gather on Deforest Avenue, Beechwood Road, Union Place, and along Maple Street to the Village Green. Flags will be distributed to the crowd by veterans along the parade route, donated by local business Annin & Co. Veterans who are unable to march may request a ride in the parade; please meet members of the American Legion at the start of the parade route at 25 Deforest Ave. to request assistance.
The ceremony on the Village Green will feature music from the Summit High School marching band, a rifle salute and wreath-laying, and a special performance of Taps. A Summit Veteran Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented by Mayor Nora Radest, followed by readings from local students. Veterans who attend the ceremony will receive a 2023 commemorative coin in recognition of, and appreciation for, their service. Free hot dogs and cold drinks will be served on the Village Green courtesy of the Summit Elks Lodge.
To register your organization to march in the parade, contact David Guida at dguidajr@cityofsummit.org or 908-277-2932.
More information is available at summitcommunityprograms.com.
