Memorial Day is fast approaching, and there are many ways in which you can gather with family this year to honor those lost. One of the most popular activities on Memorial Day is attending a parade. There are a host of parades which take place in cities across the country.

Washington D.C

The biggest and most popular Memorial Day parade occurs in the center of Washington D.C. Led by a marching band, this three-hour display alongside the National Mall on Constitution Avenue, features veteran units from each state along with those who were involved in other past conflicts. The procession showcases large floats and balloons. If you can’t make it to view the parade, you can live-stream the event via YouTube, meaning you can sit back and enjoy the parade with your loved ones at home. Travelling into Washington for the parade? Don’t forget to pre-book your airport parking lot space with ParkSleepFly.

Rochester, Wisconsin

The Rochester Area Memorial Day Parade of Heroes begins at 11:30am on May 30th. Following the procession starting at 1:30pm, a ceremony will be held in Pioneer Park at the Rochester, WI Memorial Day Parade. The Rochester parade will have approximately 20 parade entries, including fire trucks, marching bands and individual participants. Invocations, songs and speeches are also to be expected at this event. If you have an early flight into Rochester for the parade, adding a ParkSleepFly hotel only stay at the airport guarantees you a good night’s rest the day before you travel.

Sheboygan, Wisconsin

Alongside the Rochester parade, Sheboygan has its very own Memorial Day activities. Located on the Lake Michigan side of Wisconsin, this parade travels through downtown and ends with a ceremony at Fountain Park. The parade includes stunning musical performances and pays homage to veterans and active-duty men and women. If you need a room the night before your flight into Sheboygan with an added parking lot space, check out the options available through ParkSleepFly.

Ironton, Ohio

The first ever procession was held in 1868 and has continued every year since. The parade begins at 10am with the route beginning at Center Street and finishing on 6th Street and Park Avenue. The parade includes 12 divisions, floats, fire trucks and marching bands. ParkSleepFly have a variety of different airport parking options available to guarantee your lot space if you’re flying out to Ohio this Memorial Day weekend.

Doylestown, Philadelphia

Dating back 145 years, this parade is older than the Ironton and Brooklyn parades. The Doylestown parade sets off at 10am, much like the Ironton procession. Entertainment for the whole family includes individual participants, marching bands and community groups. For hotel only stays the night before flying to Philadelphia, ParkSleepFly can help you find the best price for your overnight stay at the airport.

Little Neck-Douglaston, New York

The Little Neck-Douglaston parade has been a tradition since 1927, proceeding at 2pm each year. It is led by Division 1, which includes the Grand Marshal, Division Marshals and other elected officials. This parade is more of a traditional memorial, with the addition of an opening and closing ceremony.

Other things to do on Memorial Day

As well as traveling to see the local parades, there are also a host of other activities to participate in for this long weekend, including: 

• Checking out any Memorial Day sales
• Getting together with family on a Memorial Day weekend getaway
• Planning events with loved ones, such as cookouts or picnics and taking trips or days out are a good way of taking advantage of that extra day off work
• If you’re in the area why not go to the Arlington Cemetery in Washington DC? The scenic park allows for a leisurely walk around the gardens, whilst also remembering those lost

If you’re wanting to just gather family and friend groups for the weekend, why not host a BBQ with Memorial Day themed treats? Baking at home in preparation for a BBQ is a great way to bring the family together, especially children, you’re also guaranteed a sweet treat at the end of the day. Baking recipes we recommend include New York Cheesecake, Berry Cobbler and Punch Bowl cake. If you have family out of state and are traveling to see them, pre-booking airport parking has never been easier with Park Sleep Fly.

Things to remember for Memorial Day:

• From sunrise until 12 noon, the U.S. flag is flown at half-staff to remember those who have been lost
• Rochester, WI has a very popular Memorial Day parade every year and has been a yearly event since 1867
• Americans are encouraged to participate in a minute silence at 3pm on Memorial Day afternoon in remembrance