Memorial Day Weekend: Field of Honor, Memorial Day Parade

Field of Honor: Vouchers for Veterans, in partnership with the City of Rochester, is hosting the Field of Honor display at the Rochester Common this Memorial Day Weekend. Featuring 550 American flags, including over 100 dedicated by local businesses to honor NH and ME Veterans, the display will be open to the public from Saturday morning, May 25, 2024, until early Tuesday morning, May 28, 2024. Each evening, a bugler will play taps and a bagpiper will walk among the flags to honor members of all branches of the armed forces. The event, expecting thousands of visitors, provides an opportunity for people to pay respects to those who served, with volunteers available to help locate flags. The Recreation Department advises caution around the display and suggests alternative playgrounds during the ceremony.

Memorial Day Parade: The Rochester Veterans Council will host the annual Memorial Day Parade on Monday, May 27, to honor the courageous individuals who sacrificed their lives for our country. Beginning at 10:30 am from Holy Rosary Church on North Main Street with a cannon shot, the parade will proceed to the Arched Bridge over the Cocheco River for a Memorial Service, featuring a rendition of Taps by Revolutionary War reenactors. The procession will then continue through downtown, concluding at the Rochester Common. Attendees are advised of rolling road closures and instructed to cooperate with the Rochester Police Department and parade officials for a safe and orderly event.