Dubbed the “official start of summer” Memorial Day is usually a favorite holiday across the country. It’s easy to see why, usually by then the weather is beautiful, the grills are out for BBQs and parties, and everyone gets a nice long weekend to celebrate. It’s a lot of fun.
Of course, one of the best highlights of any Memorial Day has to be the parade. As a way to remember and give thanks to all of our men and women who have served in uniform, past and present, many cities and towns around the country gather to host a parade in their honor.
If you want to take in some of the best of Memorial Day, then we’ve got three parades you don’t want to miss. Pack your bags, hop in the car and head to these cities, grab a seat on the lawn, a few sparklers, and take in the parade (don’t forget the sunscreen!).
Washington DC
via defense.gov
It should come as no surprise that Washington DC has one of the best and most patriotic Memorial Day parades in all the nation. It follows quite a bit of history as well, celebrating those who served not only in our most recent conflicts but all the way back to the Revolutionary War.
The parade marches right down Constitution Avenue, past the National Mall and ending by the Washington Monument. It’s estimated over 250,000 attend the parade every year, and it is also shown live on television.
Chicago
via cityofchicago.org
The Windy City is no stranger to a great parade, and it’s Memorial Day Parade lives up to the hype. The parade is one of the oldest and biggest in the country, dating back to 1870 and attracts bands, groups, cars and floats from all over the nation.
The parade starts with a wreath laying ceremony and kicks off soon thereafter, from Daley Plaza and continues through The Loop and features fireworks at Navy Pier that night. The city swells with an extra 15,000 people to watch the parade and related festivities.
Dallas
As they say, everything’s bigger in Texas, and the Memorial Day Parade in Dallas is not exception to that rule. In addition to having a parade through the streets of the city, Dallas is also the endpoint of the “Carry the Load” walk which goes to help veterans families.
Visitors are encouraged to join in the walk, and throughout Dallas over Memorial Day Weekend there are a number of events like free concert in the park as well as fireworks over Lake Grapevine.
What about your town? Do you have a local Memorial Day Parade that needs to be seen? Let us know what you think in the comments!
