Memorial Day, observed on the last Monday in May, is a solemn day to remember the men and women who died in military service to the United States. Originally known as Decoration Day, the tradition began in the aftermath of the Civil War as communities gathered to lay flowers on the graves of fallen soldiers. It became a federal holiday in 1971 and now marks both a national day of reflection and the unofficial start of summer.
Communities throughout Delaware County will hold parades and ceremonies to honor the sacrifices of America’s service members. Here’s where and when to observe:
Andes
On Memorial Day, Monday, May 26, there will be a parade organized by the Andes Veterans and the Andes Fire Department. The parade will start at Gladstone Hollow Road and march down Main Street to Bohlmann Park next to the library where there will be speeches and further events. The parade will start at 10:35 a.m. There will be a traditional ceremony at the Andes Cemetery at about 11 a.m. (after the parade).
Bloomville/South Kortright/Hobart
Memorial Day Parade Monday, May 26. Parade lineup will begin at 9 a.m. in Bloomville at the town hall. In South Kortright, the parade will start at 10 a.m. at the Catholic Church. Service following with guest speakers Judge Gary Rosa and Pastor Joan Dewing. There will be a Wilsons’ Chicken Barbecue and the South Kortright Church will have a bake sale. In Hobart the parade will start at 11 a.m., and a service will follow at the Hobart Memorial Park behind the fire station.
Delhi
Delhi Memorial Day Parade Monday, May 26 starts at noon. Chicken dinners will be available at the Delhi American Legion.
Downsville
The Downsville Memorial Day Parade will be Monday, May 26. Parade lineup will begin at 9:30 a.m. at the Downsville Central School parking lot. The parade will step out at 10 a.m. There will be a Memorial Day ceremony at Paige Cemetery. Following the cemetery ceremony the parade will march to James S. Moore Post 167 American Legion Hall where immediately upon arrival there will be a dedication of the newest honor pavers, float judging, bike judging and refreshments. In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony will take place in the gymnasium at Downsville Central School.
Fleischmanns
In Fleischmanns, the parade will begin at 9 a.m. at the Fleischmanns Firehouse. Marchers will proceed down Main Street to Skene Memorial Library, where local Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops will place a memorial wreath. Remarks from local clergy and veterans will follow.
Franklin
Franklin Memorial Day parade Monday, May 26 at 11 a.m. starting at Main and Institute streets and marching to the Ouleout Cemetery. The parade will be followed by the American Legion barbecue, 327 Main Street.
Grand Gorge
In Grand Gorge, a parade begins at 9:30 a.m. Marchers will assemble at Dollar General on Route 23 and continue through the hamlet to the cemetery, where formal services will be held.
Hancock
The Hancock American Legion Post 289 will hold a service at the East Branch Cemetery at 9 a.m. followed by a service at Hancock Central School beginning at 11 a.m. A luncheon will be served following the service at the Post, 210 Pennsylvania Avenue.
Margaretville
In Margaretville, marchers will gather at the school at 11 a.m. and head up Main Street to the American Legion Hall for a ceremony.
Masonville/Sidney
The American Legion and VFW in Sidney march in the following parades Memorial Day, Monday, May 26: In Sidney at 9, Sidney Center at 10:30 a.m. and Masonville at 11:30 a.m.
Roxbury
In Roxbury, the parade will start at 11 a.m. at the north end of the hamlet and proceed to Bridge Street for a memorial ceremony.
Stamford
The Stamford Memorial Day parade will be held Monday, May 26, and will step off at 10:30 a.m. from the Sacred Heart Catholic Church.
Treadwell
Parade will be Monday, May 26 at 9 a.m. Lineup for the parade on Church Street, the parade will commence down county Hwy. 14 to Croton Cemetery for a service with a guest speaker.
Walton
Walton will observe Memorial Day on Monday, May 26, with a parade and ceremonies. Lineup begins at 9:30 a.m. at the Walton Central School Bus Garage on Delaware Street. The parade steps off at 10 a.m., proceeding to Veterans Plaza for an invocation, brief remarks, an award presentation, and flag raising accompanied by the Walton Central School marching band. The parade will continue to the World War II monument at the former armory for a reading, wreath laying, a 21-gun salute, and patriotic music. It will then follow a new route via Stockton Avenue, Sewell Place, and Fancher Avenue to the cemetery. Ceremonies will continue at the Civil War monument with a service, Pledge of Allegiance, flower placement by children, and a reading of the Gettysburg Address. A final stop at the veterans monument will include prayers, wreath placements, a gun salute, and benediction. A luncheon at the Walton Veterans Club will follow. Parade participants eat free; donations are welcome to support local veterans. In case of rain, an abbreviated ceremony will be held at 10 a.m. in the Walton Central School gym.
Unadilla
The Memorial Day Service will be held on Monday, May 26 at 9 a.m. at the Community House, 193 Main Street. Unatego School band, Girl and Boy Scouts and others participating.
