Princeton Memorial Day Parade Returns For 2026 With Wreath-Laying

PRINCETON, NJ — Princeton's annual Spirit of Princeton Memorial Day Parade and Wreath-Laying Ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, May 23, from 10 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

The event is organized by the Spirit of Princeton, a local nonprofit that also hosts Flag Day and Veterans Day ceremonies.

The parade will begin rain or shine at the corner of Princeton Avenue and Nassau Street.

From there, participants will march about one mile down Nassau Street to Monument Plaza, also described in the event listing as Princeton Monument Hall or near the Princeton Battle Monument.

The parade will include local veterans, active military members, the Princeton Police, Fire Department, First Aid & Rescue Squad, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Little League, historical reenactment units, marching bands and drum and bugle corps.

A closing ceremony is expected to begin at about 11 a.m. at Monument Plaza.

The ceremony will include wreath-laying by the Sons and Daughters of the American Revolution to honor fallen service members, moments of silence and traditional tributes such as Taps.

The event is expected to wrap up by noon.

The parade is an annual event usually held on the Saturday morning before Memorial Day.

It also connects the setting to the Revolutionary War, noting that the Princeton Battle Monument ties directly to the 1777 Battle of Princeton. That history gives the ceremony an added local backdrop as residents and visitors gather for Memorial Day observances in town.

Children will get free miniature American flags from organizers.

For more information, visit njssar.org/nj-events/princeton-memorial-day-parade-by-the-spirit-of-princeton.