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
The general parade application period closed on Friday, April 3. Applicant admittance decisions will be sent to all general parade applicants by Friday, April 17.
Elected officials have until Friday, May 15 to apply to participate in the parade. Those interested in joining the Rockville Memorial Day Parade may download and complete the application below.
Per the City of Rockville Campaign Policy, only current elected officials may participate in parades sponsored by the City of Rockville, including City of Rockville, other municipal, county, state, and federal elected officials. Individuals who are not elected officials and are candidates for non-City of Rockville elected office may not participate in parades sponsored by the City of Rockville.
Event Speakers
Grand Marshal: Dr. Arthur Glover
Dr. Arthur Glover is a distinguished U.S. Navy veteran, community leader, and seasoned professional whose career reflects a lifelong commitment to service both at sea and at home. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1975 to 1998, achieving the rank of Lieutenant Commander and building an accomplished career in the Navy’s submarine force.
Over the course of his naval career, Dr. Glover served on five submarines: USS Indianapolis, USS Jack, USS Blueback, USS James Monroe, and USS Simon Bolivar. After receiving his commission, he earned his Gold Dolphins and went on to serve as a department head, ultimately qualifying for command of submarines. He concluded his military service as strategic operations officer at Commander Submarine Group Ten in Kings Bay, Georgia, where he had the unique distinction of riding aboard all ten Trident submarines in the group. In recognition of his enduring connection to the submarine community, he was inducted into the United States Submarine Veterans Inc. Holland Club, honoring more than 50 years of submarine qualification.
Following his military career, Dr. Glover built over four decades of professional, technical, and managerial experience in the aerospace and defense industry, while continuing to engage with veterans and community organizations. He serves as base commander of the United States Submarine Veterans, Inc. Capitol Base and is a past district commander within the organization. He is also a member of the local Military Officers Association of America and the Naval Submarine League.
Dr. Glover also earned a Doctorate in Practical Theology. He works as treasurer of the Bethesda Little Theatre, serves as a county election judge and works as a Sunday school teacher at the Church of Christ at Manor Woods in Rockville. Dr. Glover and his wife, Carole Ann Glover, have lived in Montgomery County for over 25 years, raising three daughters, seven grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.
Master of Ceremonies: Dan DiFonzo
Dan DiFonzo is a former on-air announcer, broadcaster, and news writer. He has announced and emceed special events, including local and regional running races, throughout the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area for more than 20 years. As a member of the Montgomery County Road Runners Club, he helps coach the Experienced Marathon Program and has completed more than 50 marathons, including 17 consecutive Boston Marathon races.
DiFonzo is a public and media relations consultant, providing expertise in communications, marketing, and public affairs for a variety of clients. He has lived in Rockville for more than 50 years and holds multiple degrees from the University of Maryland.
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.