NORTH READING – The 2025 Memorial Day parade, organized by the North Reading Company of Minit and Militia, will step off from the town common at 11:15 a.m., on Monday, May 26, as the town marks observances to honor their war dead.
All units planning to march in the parade must notify the organizers and be approved. To seek approval, contact Richard Stratton, Parade Coordinator, by email (rbstratton11@gmail.com) or phone (978-664-6202), prior to Friday, May 9.
The route of the parade will proceed from the common down the Bow Street side, past the Flint Memorial Library, then turn left down Park Street, turning right at Nan’s Cafe, continuing on Park Street to Mount Vernon Street, then right onto Haverhill Street, where the parade will return by turning right onto Park Street then proceed left on Bow Street, passing the reviewing stand in front of the Flint Memorial Library, then returning to the common.
All marching units will form up on Bow Street and be organized by John Watson.
Calling all veterans
The town’s VSO TJ Tedeschi has announced a special request for veterans to march in the parade. “Please join us in ceremony and then marching in the parade this year,” he said.
Youth Bicycling Decorating Contest
Judging in the Youth Bicycle Decorating Contest will be held at 9:45 a.m., in front of the Senior Center, prior to the beginning of the parade. The town moderator serves as the judge of this contest. All decorated bike contestants will then be invited to ride their bikes in the parade.
The parade will be preceded by the annual Memorial Day Ceremony which begins at 10 a.m. on the North Reading Common. An American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter will be present this year during the ceremony.
Honoring deceased veterans
Traditional early morning Memorial Day services at the town’s cemeteries will be held, to which the public is invited. Services begin at Riverside Cemetery on Elm Street at 7 a.m., then proceed to Harmony Vale Cemetery on Chestnut Street at 7:45 a.m. Services will resume at the Ipswich River Park Blue Star Memorial at 8:45 a.m. and close with services at the Park Street Cemetery at 9 a.m.
The public is cordially invited to attend these services which honor our veterans who served our country.
Refreshments will be served in the Senior Center on the Common at the conclusion of all activities for participants in the services and parade.