EG's Memorial Day Parade Steps Off On Monday

The Town of East Greenwich will have another one of their spectacular parades on Monday, May 27. The parade will step off from Academy Field at 10 a.m.and will wind a short way through the “Hill” area turning left onto First Avenue (Route 401).

This year’s Grand Marshal is Mr. Adolph Johnson, a World War II veteran and longtime volunteer firefighter for the East Greenwich Fire District.

The entire procession will pause briefly for a wreath-laying ceremony at the flag by the World War II Memorial on the corner of Cliff Street. Several Honor Guards from the East Greenwich Police Department, East Greenwich Fire District, and the RI Air National Guard will be present.

The parade will be led by a “Lone Piper,” bagpiper Aaron Lindo. The always colorful Kentish Guards and Varnum Continentals, local colonial militias, will be present with an array of other participants. The Navy Band Northeast will be making a special appearance with additional entertainment provided by the Cycling Murray’s, The Night Life Marching Band and Ocean State Chorus.  

The parade will continue North on Main Street. Closing ceremonies will take place on the front steps of Town Hall. A Cole Middle School student has been invited to recite the Gettysburg Address.

This parade and the other Town parade on Veterans’ Day is a longtime tradition by one of the few remaining communities in Rhode Island continuing to honor the living and the dead of past conflicts. It is with a great deal of pride that the town sponsors these events. Volunteers are needed to assist during the ceremony at Cliff Street.

There is no rain date so in the event of inclement weather, please call the EG Police Department at (401) 886-8639 who will be notified if the parade is cancelled. A temporary parking ban will be in effect on several streets surrounding Academy Field such as Rector Street and Spring Street to accommodate parade vehicles. Community Service Officers will be directing traffic and assisting participants and their families on parking and drop-off points.