Somerville to Celebrate Nation’s 250th Anniversary and All Who Serve with 'Salute to Service' Parade

The City of Somerville Department of Veterans' Services is proud to host Salute to Service, a parade honoring all who serve our country and our community and the nation’s 250th anniversary as a free and independent democracy.  

The parade will take place on Armed Forces Day on Saturday, May 16, pulling forward the annual Memorial Day parade observance and transforming this year’s parade into a special observance of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, and a recognition of all who serve our nation and in civic life locally.

The City's Memorial Day remembrance ceremony will take place Monday, May 25, at Somerville Veterans' Memorial Cemetery, as it does every year, to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. 

Veterans, veteran-owned businesses, community organizations, and local groups are invited to take part in the parade or volunteer during the day's events.  

Salute to Service 

The parade will step off at 11 a.m. from City Hall (93 Highland Ave.) and proceed west via Highland Ave., Cedar St., and Franey Rd., ending at Trum Field. 

• Veterans, veterans and related organizations, first responders, Somerville community groups, organizations, and veteran-owned or local businesses are encouraged to join the parade.
• Marching bands, color guards, marchers and walkers, wheelers and rollers, vehicles with riders, motorcycles, dance and drill teams, honk bands, and more are all welcome.
• Volunteers are needed to provide day-of event support.
• Attendees, mark your calendar now to come show your support and gratitude to those who serve and to celebrate 250 years of democracy.   

Sign up to march in the parade or volunteer to assist the event at this link by Monday, April 27. 

For more information, visit somervillema.gov/salute or call 617-625-6600 x4700. 

For questions, please contact the Somerville Department of Veterans' Services at veterans@somervillema.gov or call 617-625-6600 x 4700 or contact 311 (617-666-3311). 

Persons with disabilities can request accommodations to access the programs, activities, and meetings of the City of Somerville by contacting the ADA Coordinator at 617-625-6600 x 2059 or ADA@somervillema.gov in advance of the event.

If you need assistance translating or understanding this information, please call 311 (617-666-3311) or contact us at languageaccess@somervillema.gov. The City of Somerville can provide you with an interpreter for free.