New Canaan Memorial Day Parade, Ceremony 2026 Details Announced

NEW CANAAN, CT — The town has announced details for its annual Memorial Day parade and ceremony scheduled to take place later this month in New Canaan.

According to a news release posted to the town website, New Canaan gathers every year on Memorial Day "to remember with gratitude and honor the proud men and women who gave their lives while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces to protect and preserve a life of freedom for all Americans."

The parade and memorial ceremony, sponsored by the town of New Canaan and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Howard Bossa and Peter Langenus Post 653, will be held on Memorial Day, which falls on May 25 this year, starting at 9:30 a.m., according to the town.

The parade steps off from St. Mark's Church and proceeds down Oenoke Ridge to upper Main Street, past the Wayside Cross at God's Acre, past the firehouse and Town Hall and continues down Main Street to Lakeview Cemetery, according to the town.

Parade watchers and marchers will then gather with veterans and town officials at the cemetery for remarks about the true meaning and purpose of the Memorial Day holiday, according to the town.

This year's guest speaker is Daniel Hogan, a veteran of the war in Afghanistan. Kelly Leather Antonson, associate minister of The Congregational Church, will represent New Canaan clergy and lead the ceremony in prayer, according to the town.

No parking will be allowed on Main Street from 8 a.m. until the parade finishes, town officials noted.

The line of march will be posted to the town website on May 21.

In the event of heavy rain, a parade cancelation notice will be posted on the town's social media pages and website and the ceremony will be held at 10 a.m. inside Town Hall with limited seating, according to the town.