Memorial Day Parades in the Greater Buffalo Area
Memorial Day Parades And Events For 2024
Anyone can have a parade. Only Americans can have a parade to celebrate the greatest political achievements in history: establishing and repeatedly defending a country founded on the principle of individual liberty. Memorial Day, which was originally called Decoration Day because it was a day on which the graves of fallen soldiers were decorated, was established in the years after the Civil War to honor those who died in that war. Today, it is a day of remembrance of all who have died in this country's service.
Bravery. Honor. In President Lincoln's famous words, giving the last full measure of devotion to the defense of freedom. These are difficult ideas to explain to children, but it is our responsibility as parents to do it.
Start by bringing your kids to the Memorial Day Parade in your town. During the parade, demonstrate for them the solemnity and gratitude due to the veterans who march past. Take off your hats as they go by. Explain to your kids why we show respect for the flag. With them, cheer for the bands and salute the men and women in our police and fire departments. Think about those currently serving our country in the military around the world, and, perhaps, reflect with your children about the gratitude we owe their courage. If you know parents with a child in the military, take a few minutes to find a way to convey your thanks.
Click here for a brief history of Memorial Day in the U.S., courtesy of the Waterloo, NY web site. Below the following list of dates and times for this year, we have compiled some other good links for those of you ambitious enough to explore further the meaning of Memorial Day.
Also note: If you are marching in a parade, line-up is usually about 1/2 hour before the start of the parade.
Sunday, May 26
Marilla Memorial Day Parade
Town of Marilla Memorial Day Parade: Parade line up begins at Cemetery on Two Rod Road at 1:00 pm, ending at Veteran's Memorial. Hot dogs served after ceremony.
Monday, May 27
Clarence American Legion Memorial Day Parade
The Clarence American Legion Memorial Day Parade begins at Kraus Road at 11am; Service at 12pm at the Clarence Town Park (10405 Main Street). Thank you to all who helped make this happen.
Collins Center Parade
Parade starts at 9 a.m.
This parade is sponsored by the Collins Center Fire Dept. and the Gowanda American Legion. It begins at Main St. and Collins Center Zoar Rd., and continues on Main St. to the Cemetery. There will be an American Legion ceremony immediately following the parade.
Dunkirk
The annual Memorial Day Services and Parade will be held on Monday, May 27th, at Memorial Park. Services will begin promptly at 10:00 am. Parade will follow at approximately 11:00 am. The Parade Route is as follows: proceed East on Lake Shore Drive West to Central Ave. Parade will turn right onto Central Ave. and proceed South Fifth Street. Parade turns East onto Fifth Street and disbands at Washington Park.
East Aurora
The East Aurora American Legion Memorial Day Procession Come help us honor the fallen on Memorial Day. The Procession steps-off at 10:30 and proceeds Up South Grove from Hamlin Park turning west on Prospect Ave. The procession will end at the Oakwood Cemetery. The Ceremony will begin at the Cemetary at 11am. Afterwards make sure you come back down to the Post for the VFW’s incredible Chicken BBQ! The BBQ starts at Noon and will continue until sold out. See you on Monday! Remember the Fallen.
Kenmore/Tonawanda
Step-off at 11 am sharp, continues until 1 pm.
Kenmore's Memorial Day Parade is one of the largest in western New York. It takes place on Delaware Avenue, beginning in the Town of Tonawanda, continuing into the Village of Kenmore, and turning onto Lincoln Boulevard, ending at Elmwood Avenue. It features bands, service organizations, dance groups, and fire departments. Veterans and active members of the military are honored and thanked for their service to our country.
Lackawanna
Memorial Day ceremony is held at Veterans Stadium located on South Park Avenue at noon. The ceremony was hosted by Matthew Glab Post 1477.
Lancaster
9 a.m. service immediately followed by the parade. Sponsored by the VFW Walden Ave. post, this event gathers at Lake Avenue Veteran's Park, and the parade continues on Lake Ave. to School, Pleasant, Central, and ends at the Town Hall.
Lewiston
The Lewiston Memorial Day Rememberance Ceremony begins at 11 am and takes place at the Circle of Honor in Academy Park.
Orchard Park
Parade begins at 9 a.m. at the Orchard Park Library,4570 S. Buffalo St. Parade Route: Library Parking Lot to Highland Avenue (behind the library), north on South Buffalo Street to the Four Corners, left onto West Quaker Street to Veterans Park. Ceremony at the Orchard Park Veterans’ Park to follow at the conclusion of the parade.
West Seneca Memorial Day Parade
The West Seneca Memorial Day Ceremony: The Annual Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony sponsored by the West Seneca Joint Veterans Committee will be held on Monday, May 27, 2024. Parade units will march from Southgate Plaza near Evans National Bank at precisely 10:30am and march north on Union Road to the West Seneca Town Hall, where units will gather at the Walkway of Freedom in Veterans Park for the annual ceremony to honor our nation’s men and women who died in the service of their country.
Williamsville / Amherst Memorial Day Parade
The Williamsville/Amherst Memorial Day Parade 2:00 pm. Honoring our nation’s veterans. The parade starts at Williamsville South High School marching west down Main Street to Los Robles Street. Call VFW Chairperson Wayne Sorrentino at 891-5164 for parade registration form and more info.