You’ve probably heard people say that community traditions are dying out, but they haven't spent a Sunday morning in Davis Square lately. Honestly, the Memorial Day parade Somerville MA hosts isn't just a line of fire trucks and high school bands. It’s a heavy, beautiful, and kinda loud reminder of what this city actually stands for.
Last year, the streets were packed. You had toddlers on shoulders and veterans in folding chairs, all waiting for that 11:00 a.m. step-off. It’s one of those rare moments where the "Paris of New England" stops worrying about bike lanes and property taxes for a second to look at its own history.
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The Route and What to Expect
If you’re planning to go, you basically need to know the layout. It starts at the Davis Square Rotary, right by the 9/11 Memorial. From there, the whole procession heads west on Holland Street, cuts through Teele Square, and eventually lands at the Somerville Veterans Memorial Cemetery on Broadway.
It’s about a mile and a half of walking. Not too bad, unless you’re hauling a cooler and three kids.
The city usually sets up an ADA-accessible viewing platform at Statue Park, which is a great move. Most people just line the sidewalks along Holland Street, though. If you want a spot where you can actually see the color guards without peeking over someone’s hat, get there by 10:30 a.m.
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The 2025 Grand Marshal
The 2025 parade was particularly special because the Grand Marshal was Thomas G. Kelley. He’s a local legend and a Medal of Honor recipient. Seeing someone with that kind of history leading the way through Teele Square? It hits different. It’s not just "filler" for a long weekend; it’s a living connection to some pretty intense sacrifices.
It’s More Than Just a Parade
Most people think the event ends when the last motorcycle rumbles past. Wrong. The real heart of the day is the Remembrance Ceremony that happens immediately after at the Veterans Cemetery.
Mayor Katjana Ballantyne and the Director of Veterans’ Services, Jerome Thomas, usually lead the remarks. It’s quiet there—a sharp contrast to the drums and bagpipes of the march. They do a wreath-laying that’s honestly pretty moving. You see the names of people from Somerville who never came home from places most of us only read about in textbooks.
- The Morning Prep: The city starts closing streets around 9:00 a.m. If you try to drive through Davis Square at 10:45, you’re gonna have a bad time.
- Public Transit: Seriously, just take the Red Line. Davis Square station puts you right at the start line.
- The "Rain or Shine" Factor: Somerville doesn’t usually do rain dates for this. If it’s drizzling, grab a poncho. The veterans are out there regardless, so the crowd usually is too.
Why We Still Show Up
There was a stretch of time, specifically between 2016 and 2023, where the parade was MIA. When it came back, it felt like the city found its pulse again. People sort of assume these things just happen, but they’re organized by the Department of Veterans’ Services and a ton of volunteers.
You’ll see the Middlesex County Volunteers Fifes & Drums, local scouting troops, and those vintage military vehicles that look like they belong in a movie. But the best part? It’s the silence when the color guard passes. Even the college kids with their iced coffees usually quiet down.
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It’s a "nice hometown parade," as former Mayor Joe Curtatone once put it (or maybe it was Gallagher, the old mayors blend together sometimes). It’s two and a half square miles of people actually acknowledging that freedom has a literal receipt.
Accessibility and Logistics
If you’re worried about parking—don’t be. Or rather, don't try. Use the MBTA. There are temporary ADA spots on Winter Street and near the cemetery, but they fill up fast. The city also streams the whole thing on GovTV and YouTube, so if you’re stuck at home, you can still catch the ceremony.
Actionable Next Steps for Attendees
- Check the Official Calendar: Always double-check the City of Somerville website a week before. Dates sometimes shift to the Sunday before the actual holiday to avoid clashing with other regional events.
- Volunteer: The Veterans’ Services office is almost always looking for people to help with logistics or to drive veterans in the parade.
- Hydrate and Protect: Holland Street has zero shade. Bring water. Wear sunscreen. You’ll be standing on asphalt for two hours.
- Visit the Cemetery: Even if you skip the parade, walk through the Veterans Memorial Cemetery on Broadway. It’s a powerful spot that many residents drive past every day without really seeing.
The Memorial Day parade Somerville MA tradition is a reminder that even in a fast-changing city, some things are worth standing still for. It's about the names on the stones and the stories we shouldn't forget.