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Town of Reading Memorial Day Parade and Ceremonies

May 25 @ 9:15 am - 1:00 pm

Community invited to honor fallen service members with ceremonies at four local cemeteries throughout the day

Reading, MA — The Town of Reading will host its annual Memorial Day ceremonies on Monday, May 25, 2026, with commemorative events taking place at Laurel Hill Cemetery, Forest Glen Cemetery, Charles Lawn Cemetery, and Wood End Cemetery. Residents, veterans, and community members are invited to attend as the town honors those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the nation.

The day’s ceremonies will begin at 9:15 AM at Laurel Hill Cemetery with Reading Veterans’ Service Officer William (Will) Valliere serving as Master of Ceremonies. Participants will include Reverend Steven Zukus of Christ the Kings Parish, the Reading Police Department Color Guard, members of the Reading Memorial High School Band and Brass Section, Town Manager Jayne Wellman, Select Board Vice Chair Karen Rose Gillis, and Jill Mayberry, U.S. Air Force Veteran. CAPT Steven Rock, U.S. Navy (Ret.), will serve as guest speaker.

Additional ceremonies will continue throughout the morning at:

  • Forest Glen Cemetery at 10:45 AM
  • Charles Lawn Cemetery at 11:30 AM
  • Wood End Cemetery at 12:00 noon

CAPT Brendan Gray, U.S. Navy (Ret.), will deliver the Memorial Day Address during the ceremonies at Forest Glen, Charles Lawn, and Wood End cemeteries.

The official Memorial Day program also features the poem “This is Memorial Day” by LTC Ret. Samuel Lombardo reflects on the sacrifices made by members of the armed forces and the importance of honoring their legacy.

The Town encourages residents to attend one or more ceremonies and join together in remembrance and gratitude for the men and women who gave their lives in military service to the United States.

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