Falls Church Memorial Day Parade Grand Marshal Sought For 2023

FALLS CHURCH, VA — If you know a person deserving of recognition for their contributions to Falls Church, nominations are open for the grand marshal of the Memorial Day Parade.

The 41st Annual Memorial Day Parade, one of the city's largest events of the year, is scheduled for Monday, May 29, 2023. The grand marshal will lead the parade in a special vehicle and be spotlighted by the city government.

Nominations are due by March 3 to Scarlett Williams of the Recreation and Parks Department at sawilliams@fallschurchva.gov. The nomination should include the nominee’s name and why that person deserves to be grand marshal.

Last year's grand marshal was Chet De Long, a long-time advocate of the Mary Riley Styles Public Library and Library Board of Trustees member. Other past grand marshals in recent years were Lindy Hockenberry (2021), Rob Donovan (2019), Midge Wang (2018), Barb Cram (2017), Kathy Halayko (2016), Kathy and Barry Buschow (2015), Sergeant Steve Rau (2014), Janet Haines and Audrey Luthman (2013), Harry Shovlin (2012), Howard Herman (2011), Edna Frady (2010), and Jessie Thackrey (2009). Previous grand marshals cannot be chosen again.

The Memorial Day Parade will be part of a day-long festival at City Hall and Community Center Grounds from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The day starts with a Fun Run at 9 a.m., Memorial Day Ceremony at 11 a.m., performance by the Falls Church Concert Band at 12:30 p.m. and parade at 2 p.m. on Park Avenue between West Street and Little Falls Street.

Stay tuned for more information about the event as it gets closer. Businesses, organizations, and vendors can find information about becoming a vendor or sponsor or contact Scarlett Williams at sawilliams@fallschurchva.gov.