Memorial Day was originally called Decoration Day and began in 1868 when General John A. Logan called for a day to honor the Northern lives lost during the Civil War. Over time, people began referring to the day as Memorial Day and in 1971 it became a federal holiday.
At 3 p.m. on Memorial Day Americans are asked to pause what they are doing and observe one minute of silence as a national moment of remembrance to remember those who have given their lives in service to our country.
If you’re looking for a place to pay your respects this Memorial Day Weekend, we’ve gathered together a list of some of the events taking place in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, by town, to help you.
MASSACHUSETTS MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND EVENTS
ANDOVER, MA
- Saturday, May 26 at 9 a.m.: Andover Veterans Services’ will be reflagging Sacred Heart Cemetery at 80 Corbett St.
- Monday, May 29th at 10 a.m.: Parade on the corner of Florence Street and Elm Street, and it will end with an 11 a.m. ceremony at The Park on Bartlett Street.
ARLINGTON, MA
- Monday, May 29th 9 a.m.: Parade and Ceremony in the Town Hall auditorium. Doors will open to the public at 9 a.m. and the ceremony will begin promptly at 9:30 a.m. Following the ceremony, attendees will proceed to Mt. Pleasant Cemetery for the wreath laying ceremony at veteran burial lots.
BARNSTABLE, MA
- Monday, May 29th 10 a.m.: Centerville Memorial Day Parade beginning at the South Congregational Church with a pancake breakfast scheduled prior to it at the church at 8 a.m.
BROOKLINE, MA
- Monday, May 29th 8:30 a.m.: A bus will depart from the Veterans’ Post at 386 Washington Street for the ceremonies at Walnut Hills Cemetery and then continue on to the Walnut Street Cemetery for a ceremony conducted by the Daughters of the American Revolution. The bus will return to the Town Hall for the final ceremony at 11:00 a.m.
BOSTON, MA
- Friday, May 25th – Monday, 29th: The Memorial Day Flag Garden will be on display at the Soldiers & Sailors Monument on Boston Common. Each of the more than 37,000 flags represents a Massachusetts service member who gave his or her life defending the nation since the Revolutionary War.
FALMOUTH, MA
- Monday, May 29th 10 a.m.: Memorial Day ceremony at Memorial Walkway in front of Falmouth’s Main Street Public Library.
- Fallen Falmouth Veterans Remembered Walking Tour: Registration requested. 508-5448-7510 or ogcfalmouth@gmail.com.
MARBLEHEAD, MA
- Saturday, May 27th 9 a.m.: Grave-flagging at Waterside Cemetery at 9 a.m. Meet at the Bell Tower.
- Sunday, May 28th 1 p.m.: Veterans ceremony at Star of the Sea Cemetery – public invited to attend.
- Monday, May 29th at 9 a.m.: Service at Clark Landing at 8 a.m. and parade at 9 a.m. with World War II U.S. Navy Gen. Daniel Genis serving as the honorary grand marshal.
MARLBOROUGH, MA
- Monday, May 29th at 10 a.m: Memorial Day Park beginning at the American Legion Headquarters, 88 Maple St.
NEWTON, MA
- Sunday, May 28th 9 a.m.: Newton Memorial Day Ceremony at Forte Park
- Sunday, May 28th 3 p.m.: Memorial Day Parade at 3 p.m. at Newton North High School
PLYMOUTH, MA
- Monday, May 29th at 9:30 a.m.: Memorial Day Parade will begin at Memorial Hall.
READING, MA
- Monday, May 29th at 9 a.m.: Memorial Day Parade will begin at the American Legion, 37 Ash St.
WILMINGTON, MA:
- Monday, May 29th at 10 a.m.: Parade starting at the Market Basket on Main Street.
- Monday, May 29th at 11 a.m.: Memorial Day Ceremony at Wildwood Cemetery.
WOBURN, MA:
- Monday, May 29th: A ceremony will take place at 9 a.m. on the Common. Followed by a 10:45 a.m. ceremony at Hebrew Cemetery and an 11 a.m. ceremony at Calvary Cemetery.
RHODE ISLAND MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND EVENTS
BARRINGTON, RI
- Monday, May 29th at 8 a.m.: Parade at Barrington High School.
BRISTOL, RI
- Monday, May 29th at 9:30 a.m.: Memorial Day ceremonies and parade beginning at North Burial Ground (Colt State Park).
CHARLESTOWN, RI
- Sunday, May 28th at 1 p.m.: Parade in Ninigret Park.
LINCOLN, RI
- Sunday, May 28th at 9 a.m.: The 17th Annual Fedd Hill Memorial Day Cookout at Lincoln Woods State Park.
- Monday, May 29th at 11 a.m.: Memorial Day Parade beginning at the corner of Higginson Avenue and Smithfield Avenue.
NEWPORT, RI
- Friday, May 26th – Monday, May 29th: Boots On The Ground For Heroes at Fort Adams State Park. Hours are Friday, Saturday, and Sunday 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m., and Monday 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.. Admission is free for all attendees.
- Monday, May 29th 10:30 a.m.: Strewing of Flowers Memorial Day Ceremony at Storer Park.
