Founded in 1944 by William “Bill” Wood, the Memorial Day Ceremony and Parade is a long-standing tradition in the City of Rockville.
The day begins with a ceremony honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms and concludes with the annual parade, which features more than 50 units, including military and community groups, marching units, dance troupes, and more.
Each year, the City of Rockville selects a local veteran or active-duty military member to serve as the city’s grand marshal and lead the festivities.
2026 Event Details
Monday, May 25, 2026
Rockville Town Center Park
131 Gibbs St.
Rockville, MD 20850
9 a.m.: Musical Tribute by the Rockville Concert Band and Chorus
9:30 a.m.: Ceremony
10:30 a.m.: Parade Begins at North Washington Street and Martins Lane
Parade Participant Applications
Is your organization interested in participating in the city’s Memorial Day Parade? Groups must apply by Friday, April 3 to be considered for the parade. Please view and download the applicable parade application below for detailed information on selection criteria, parade rules, and the application process.
Military Speakers Wanted
Each year, Rockville’s Memorial Day Ceremony features a local military representative or veteran who serves as the grand marshal for the ceremony and parade. Submissions for speakers are currently being accepted. Volunteer speakers must be comfortable speaking in public and must prepare a five- to seven-minute speech about their experiences in the armed forces, including what it means to serve and to honor those who have served. Rockville and Montgomery County residents who have retired from, or currently serve in, the United States military are eligible to take part in the ceremonies. Speaker nominations and biographies may be submitted to Cristina Willis at cwillis@rockvillemd.gov.
Parade Route and Road Closures
The parade begins at North Washington Street and Martins Lane, then heads south on North Washington Street. It turns left onto Beall Avenue, right onto Maryland Avenue through Rockville Town Square, and left onto East Montgomery Avenue.
Roads around the parade route will close at 6 a.m. and reopen at 2 p.m.
Parking
Free parking is available at the Rockville Metro lots, Rockville City Hall lots, and Jury lot.
Paid parking, including accessible parking, is available for $5 in the Rockville Town Square garage, accessible from Route 355 or North Washington Street, from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Memorial Day. Cash and credit cards are accepted. Regular Rockville Town Square parking rates apply at all other times.
In honor of America’s 250th birthday, this event will feature celebratory touches commemorating this historic milestone.
contact
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Contact
Recreation and Parks Department
Special Events Division
240-314-8620
specialevents@rockvillemd.gov
Hours
Monday – Friday
8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.