Portland Memorial Day Parade

05/26/2026

On behalf of the organizers and participants of the Portland Memorial Day Parade, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Town of Portland for its overwhelming support and patriotism this Memorial Day.

Despite Mother Nature’s lack of grace, our community came together in remarkable fashion to honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. The rain may have dampened the streets, but it did not diminish the spirit of remembrance, gratitude, and unity displayed by those who attended.

This year’s tribute carried even greater significance as our nation approaches the 250th Anniversary of American independence. For nearly two and a half centuries, generations of Americans have defended the ideals of liberty, justice, and freedom upon which this great nation was founded. Memorial Day serves as a solemn reminder that these freedoms were preserved through the courage and sacrifice of those who answered the call to serve.

From veterans organizations, marching groups, civic leaders, volunteers, first responders, and residents lining the parade route, Portland once again demonstrated the deep respect our town holds for our fallen heroes and their families. Honoring our fallen soldiers has long been woven into the fabric of Portland’s history and traditions, reflecting the enduring patriotism and community spirit that continue to define our town. We do not cancel, we show up - We Will Never Forget.

We sincerely thank everyone who participated, assisted behind the scenes, donated their time, or stood in support along the route. Your presence ensured that the tradition of remembrance remains strong as we look toward celebrating 250 years of American independence and the sacrifices that made it possible.

With gratitude,
Sara Sterry Rutter

05/25/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1C97pbjFyk/

05/23/2026

Devon Rutter Abigail Houseknecht

05/23/2026

Today in Seaport: Thousands of American flags have been planted on Seaport Common in honor of Massachusetts service members who have been killed in action or died while in service since 9/11/01 🇺🇸 The annual flag garden will be on display through Memorial Day. Details on that ( #17), plus 75 more things to do around Boston over MDW, below 👇

1) 37,369 Flags on Boston Common bit.ly/-3llj
2) The Big Gig Music Fest & Mkt bit.ly/lg-8
3) Fenway Outdoor Vintage Fest bit.ly/3-kg
4) Sam Sessions Music Fest bit.ly/Bx-J
5) Free ICA on Memorial Day bit.ly/Q2-p
6) Free MFA on Memorial Day bit.ly/4dM-
7) Bee Celebration @ Victory Gardens bit.ly/4-Gq
8) SoWa Open Market 2026 bit.ly/Zy-A
9) Festival Viva Chile bit.ly/uA-8
10) Small Mart @ Crystal Ballroom bit.ly/wF-F
11) Quincy Memorial Day Parade bit.ly/p-wX
12) AAPI Comedy Festival bit.ly/Ge-P
13) Black Owned Bos. Mkt bit.ly/4-Sd
14) Memorial Day Picnic bit.ly/q-Mc
15) Free ‘Shrek’ @ The Brattle bit.ly/J-Il
16) Wicked Comic Con bit.ly/D-Pp
17) Memorial Day Flag Garden bit.ly/-iuN
18) Free Salsa @ The Anchor bit.ly/3-Tx
19) ICA Watershed Now Open bit.ly/-ByR
20) Book Club Cafe bit.ly/9E-B
21) World Stamp Show bit.ly/cA-8
22) 30+ Beer Gardens in Boston bit.ly/-Itj
23) ‘Top Gun Maverick’ Screening bit.ly/3-Ru
24) Satellite Patio Kickoff Party bit.ly/Vk-1
25) Sing into Spring! bit.ly/4uYW
26) 30 Unique Patios in Boston bit.ly/-9PE
27) 100+ Free Outdoor Fitness Classes bit.ly/-9uo
28) Open Memorial Drive bit.ly/4-Di
29) 100+ Free Outdoor Concerts bit.ly/-V9s
30) Copley Farmers Market bit.ly/-cvh
31) F1 Montreal Watch Party bit.ly/6-Tp
32) 20+ Rooftop Bars in Boston bit.ly/-1yS
33) Greenway Artisan Market bit.ly/p9-1
34) Boston Open Market bit.ly/4-lX
35) Tall Ship Now Open bit.ly/IIi-i
36) Felipe’s Rooftop Now Open bit.ly/it-J
37) $10 Commuter Rail Wknds bit.ly/7j-A
38) Steep'd Immersive Tea Lounge bit.ly/-IKj
39) Downtown Arts Market bit.ly/zPyx
40) Cisco Seaport Now Open bit.ly/Ji-2
41) Union Square Farmers Market bit.ly/w-Cb
42) $7 Boston Harbor Water Taxi bit.ly/ii-t
43) Peak Blooms Around Boston bit.ly/i-1j
44) Park City Southie Now Open bit.ly/-Iju
45) Island Creek Oysters Popup bit.ly/Is-C
46) Public Garden Swan Boats bit.ly/2F-k
47) 16 Karaoke Nights in Boston bit.ly/i-jII
48) 15 Spots to Line Dance in Boston bit.ly/ii-iI
49) Free Friday Wine Tasting bit.ly/Kt-y
50) Swingers Mini Golf Now Open bit.ly/-swi
51) Seaport Smalls: Live Animals bit.ly/M-m4
52) 40+ Trivia Nights in Boston bit.ly/-BAZ
53) Live Music Sundays bit.ly/1n-7
54) SoWa Vintage Market bit.ly/4-Zi
55) 14 Speakeasies Around Boston bit.ly/-fiD
56) 17 Experiential Bars in Boston bit.ly/-pWr
57) 23 ‘Happy Hour’ Deals in Boston bit.ly/I-1j
58) Free Spots to Work Remote bit.ly/iy-i
59) 20+ Free Museums in Boston bit.ly/kj-1
60) 31 Thrift Stores in Boston bit.ly/iTi
61) Late-night Food in Boston bit.ly/-Bai
62) Open Dodgeball bit.ly/Vz-2
63) Trinity Organ Concert bit.ly/o-6f
64) 10 High Tea Spots in Boston bit.ly/l-ij
65) 10 Natural Wine Bars in Boston bit.ly/-NO3
66) 22 BPL Card Perks bit.ly/-l-k
67) Havana Club Salsa Dancing bit.ly/i-nI
68) Boston Swing Central bit.ly/X4g5
69) Sunday Jazz Brunch @ Lou’s bit.ly/Q-Px
70) New England Botanic Garden bit.ly/T-I0
71) Coffee + Crafts bit.ly/y7-E
72) Poetry Open Mic Night bit.ly/h-Vu
73) Free Harvard Art Museums bit.ly/-5Yw
74) $1 Oysters Around Boston bit.ly/-Ruz
75) Irish Music @ the Burren bit.ly/-iOI
76) Live Irish Music Seisiúns bit.ly/0d-X

All weekend events: bit.ly/3Rbjz7v
List permalink: bit.ly/4up2Wbo

05/23/2026

Today and every day, we pause to remember the heroes who gave their all for the freedoms we hold dear 🇺🇸💖. Their courage echoes across generations, reminding us that liberty is not just a privilege, but a gift paid for with sacrifice. 💫

As the sun sets and the world grows quiet, may we carry their memory with gratitude in our hearts ❤️. Let us honor them not only with words, but with how we live — with kindness, integrity, and love for our communities 🌅💞.

This Memorial Day, take a moment to reflect, to give thanks, and to let your heart swell with pride for those who stood so bravely in service of something greater than themselves. Their light continues to guide us 💖🙏.

05/22/2026

**The Poppy Drive – Memorial Day**

Each Memorial Day, the red poppy becomes more than a flower — it becomes a symbol of remembrance, sacrifice, and gratitude for the men and women who gave their lives in service to our nation. Inspired by the fields of poppies that bloomed across battle-scarred lands after World War I, the tradition continues as communities come together to honor America’s fallen heroes.

“The Poppy Drive” serves as a visible reminder that freedom was never free. Whether worn on a lapel, placed at a memorial, or shared throughout the community, the poppy stands as a tribute to courage, duty, and the enduring spirit of patriotism.

As we observe Memorial Day, may we pause to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice, support the families who carry their legacy, and teach future generations the true meaning of service and remembrance.

Please remember to bring a donation to assist our veterans'

05/22/2026

🇺🇸 Portland Memorial Day Parade – Road Closures & Event Update 🇺🇸

The Portland Memorial Day Parade will take place on Sunday, May 24, 2026 — rain or shine.

Parade Schedule

Lineup/Staging: 12:30 p.m. at Victoria Road
Parade Step-Off:2:00 p.m.

Traffic & Road Closures

Main Street will remain open until 1:30 p.m.

Victoria Road will be one-way only from Main Street to Prospect Street between 12:30 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.
The following roads will be closed between 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Waverly Avenue to East Main Street,
East Main Street to Fairview, and
Fairview to Foley Road.

Motorists are encouraged to seek alternate routes and allow additional travel time during parade hours.

Weather Plan

Due to the expected rain on Sunday, the parade will proceed as scheduled and conclude at Brownstone Intermediate School.

The Memorial Day Ceremony will be held inside the BIS auditorium.

Special Performances:

The ceremony will feature performances by:

The Portland High School Band
Dan Clark, The Singing Trooper.

Honoring our fallen soldiers with a parade has been a part of Portland’s tradition since 1919. The fabric of our town has been woven into our historical past and continues to be part of our story as our nation commemorates 250 years of American independence.

Residents are encouraged to attend as the community gathers to honor and remember the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. 🇺🇸

05/20/2026

Decoration Day / Memorial Day: A Time of Remembrance

From the founding of our nation in 1776, American communities have mourned the death and sacrifice of those who served in uniform. From 1776 onward, Americans mourned and honored those who died in service through local and personal traditions. However, it took nearly 100 years—and the immense loss of the Civil War—before the nation established a formal day of remembrance, known as Decoration Day in 1868. Families, churches, and towns honored the fallen through private grief, local customs, and quiet acts of remembrance long before there was a national observance.

Decoration Day was formally established on May 30, 1868, following a proclamation by General John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic. The date was chosen so that flowers would be in bloom nationwide, symbolizing renewal, honor, and remembrance.

Originally intended to honor both Union and Confederate soldiers who died during the Civil War, Decoration Day evolved after World War I to commemorate all Americans who have died in military service. In 1971, Congress officially renamed the observance Memorial Day, designating it as a federal holiday to be observed on the last Monday in May.

Today, we continue this solemn tradition by placing flags, flowers, and wreaths upon graves, gathering in community, and pausing in reflection. Memorial Day is not a celebration, but a sacred act of remembrance—an enduring commitment to ensure that the courage, sacrifice, and service of the fallen are never forgotten

05/20/2026

🇺🇸 Portland Memorial Day Parade 2026 🇺🇸
📍 Portland
📅 Sunday, May 24, 2026
🕧 Lineup: 12:30 PM
🎖️ Step-Off: 2:00 PM

☔ Rain or Shine Event ☀️

Our fallen soldiers paid the ultimate sacrifice for freedom and justice. They served their duty rain or shine, and therefore we march rain or shine. Memorial Day is a sacred time to remember their sacrifices and to cherish the freedom and liberty we are blessed to live in every day.

"A nation that forgets its heroes will itself be forgotten.” — Calvin Coolidge

04/16/2026

10/23/2025

Save the date! Let's show our support for those who served in defense of our country - see you there!