Mayor Thomas P. Koch and the City of Quincy are proud to announce the nation’s longest-running Flag Day Parade will take place on Saturday, June 14th. In celebration of Quincy’s 400th anniversary, the route has been extended to better accommodate public enjoyment of this enhanced celebration. This year’s parade will step off at 6 p.m. at the corner of Hancock Street and Hannon Parkway in Quincy Center and head north along Hancock Street, turning onto Merrymount Parkway and wrap-up at Vietnam Veterans Drive and Adams Field. A flag-raising ceremony and musical performance at Pageant Field will follow the completion of the parade. The night will culminate with fireworks over Black’s Creek at approximately 9:00 p.m.
This year’s parade will feature elite national bands and drum corps, new floats honoring Quincy’s rich history, specialty units, public safety and veterans’ color guards, a fleet of classic cars, and more than 1,000 flag-waving youngsters. Adding to the excitement, former Grand Marshals will return to join in this special parade, making it a truly memorable event for all.
Bands performing include the Boston Crusaders Drop Corp MA, 7th Regiment Drum Corp NH, Connecticut Hurricanes Drum Corp, Long Island Sunrisers Drum Corp NY, USMC Corp Quantico Marine Band, US Navy Band NE Newport RI, USA NG 215 Army Band MA, Quincy North Quincy Combined Band, Connecticut Alumni Drum Corp, Boston Crusaders Alumni Drum Corp and the North Star Alumni Drum Corp.
The Flag Day Parade was started by Richard (Dick) Koch Sr. in 1952 when he led a group of youngsters around Norfolk Downs and finished with a flag-raising at Cavanagh Stadium. The parade has grown significantly through the years and fireworks were added in the 1990s.
At Pageant Field, the 50’ x 80’ flag will be raised over the crowd to the tune of “Grand Ol’ Flag.” A ceremony recognizing the Grand Marshal and the Richard and Simone Koch Award winner will follow.
The evening will commence with a spectacular fireworks show over Black’s Creek, sponsored by Quirk Auto.
For more information, visit quincyma.gov, quincy400.com or follow City of Quincy and Quincy400 on social media.