Doylestown Memorial Day Parade is a massive annual event, taking place on the last Monday in May in Doylestown, a borough in Bucks County, 25 miles north of Philadelphia, The town is known for its rich history and the Civil War Library and Museum, boasting many rare and one-of-a-kind artifacts from the Civil War and over 1500 historical books.
Doylestown Parade history
The glorious tradition of parading the streets to honor the veterans and fallen soldiers was born in Doylestown back in 1868, during a post-Civil War era, when the annual Decoration Day was marked to honor those who fought for freedom. Doylestown was home to the legendary "Ringgold Regiment," which served in the Peninsular Campaign of 1862 and took part in the siege of Charlestown,
Parade participants
The parade features about 100 groups, including veterans, units in historical uniforms, civilians, and community groups. Viewers can expect to see representatives of the VFW, the American Legion, the Mayor of Doylestown, firefighters, scouts, and the high school marching band. Overall, about 1,700 participants take part. The procession, marching through the streets of downtown Doylestown, gathers about 15,000 spectators every year.
The route
The Doylestown Memorial Day Parade starts with a flag-raising ceremony at War Memorial Field at 9 pm. Another flag-raising ceremony is held near the impressive Civil War Memorial at Bucks County Civil War Library and Museum.
The parade begins at 10 am near the Central Bucks West High School, at Lafayette St. & Court St. The procession moves east on Court Street, then east on State Street, and north on Main Street, finishing at Doylestown Cemetery. The parade is followed by a 30-minute memorial ceremony at the cemetery. Veteran groups lay wreaths to commemorate fallen heroes.
The Doylestown Memorial Day Parade is a great way to experience small-town America and feel the authentic atmosphere of the historical Bucks County.
