The Rochester Veterans Council will host a Memorial Day parade on Monday, May 25, 2026. The parade will step off from Holy Rosary Church on North Main Street at 10:30 a.m. sharp, designated with a cannon shot.

The parade will proceed to the Arched Bridge over the Cocheco River, where there will be a brief stoppage to conduct a Wreath Memorial Service. Taps will be performed by the Spaulding High School Band, and a rifle volley will be conducted by Captain Bell’s Company, 2nd NH Regiment, Revolutionary War reenactors. Once the ceremony is complete, the parade will continue down North Main Street through downtown, onto South Main Street, and conclude at the Rochester Common in time for ceremonies at the Flags of Honor.

The Rochester Veterans Council has chosen local legend Robert “Cider” Berry as the Grand Marshal for the 2026 Rochester Memorial Day Parade. Berry is a Navy veteran who has been actively involved in the community for many years through various boards and community groups. He has received awards such as the Rochester Sports Hall of Fame Chairman’s Award and was named Rochester Citizen of the Year in 2005. He currently serves as the Community Relations Director at Eastern Propane and continues to support the veteran community. The Council is honored to have him participate in this important event.

Along the parade route, there will be rolling road closures. The public is asked to remain alert and follow directions from Rochester Police and parade attendants.

The Rochester Veterans Council extends its gratitude to the community for helping to make this year’s parade meaningful and for honoring those who fought and made the ultimate sacrifice for the country. For questions, please contact (617) 947-6722. For more information about the parade, visit www.rochesterveteranscouncil.com/rmdp.