Memorial Day Parade

The nation's oldest annually held parade turns 125 this year! The City of Portsmouth presents the 125th Annual Memorial Day Parade on Monday, beginning at 11 a.m. in downtown Portsmouth.

Annually, the Memorial Day Parade salutes the service and sacrifices of the men and women of the military and celebrates Portsmouth's proud military heritage. This year’s parade will include floats, marching band units, military units, lots of excitement, and much more. Rear Admiral Bob Kiser, Portsmouth Naval Medical Center, will be the Grand Marshal for this historic 125th parade.

The Parade Route: The 1800 block of High Street at I.C. Norcom High School will be the starting point for the parade which will travel east on High Street; turn right on Crawford Street; and end at Columbia Street.

After the parade, from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m:

• A United States Coast Guard cutter and The Fireboat will be open to the public at High Street Landing

• "Come Sea History!" - Tidewater Maritime Living History Association will be on site offering living history demonstrations

• The Friends of the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum will be distributing free maritime history books.

• Activities inside the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum. All active duty and retired military members’ admission to the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum and Courthouse Galleries will be free on Memorial Day with a valid military ID.

• Tour the Schooner Virginia: High Street Landing in Olde Towne Portsmouth. The Schooner Virginia will be open to the general public for guided tours with the Virginia crew.

• Many downtown restaurants will be open!

http://www.portsvaevents.com/may_09.html#memorialday

http://www.usa.gov/Topics/Memorial_Day.shtml