SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY – The City of Saratoga Springs invites the community to the 2016 Memorial Day Parade and Commemorative Ceremony on Thursday, May 26th from 6:30-8:00pm. The event will unite the Saratoga Springs City Council, Veterans Organizations and the citizens of Saratoga Springs in honor of those who have given their lives for our country.

The Memorial Day parade will follow a new route this year (see map below), beginning at the corner of Union Avenue and Nelson Avenue and continuing to Regent Street. The parade will culminate with a closing ceremony in Greenridge Cemetery to include a welcome by Mayor Joanne Yepsen, Presentation of Colors by the Navy, the National Anthem performed by the Ballston Spa Band, a Keynote Speech by Commander Elvis T. Mikel, United States Navy, and dignitaries to include Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner, Congressman Paul Tonko and Senator Kathy Marchione. Highlights of the parade include local veterans organizations including the police and fire departments, local marching bands from all across Saratoga County, floats and vintage & classic cars.

The Mayor of Saratoga Springs, Joanne Yepsen commented, “The annual Saratoga Springs Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony are time-honored traditions to pay respect to the many men and women that have served and died for our country and our freedoms.

This year, in 2016, to continue to pay tribute to Vietnam Era Veterans and their families, we are very proud to have our local Vietnam Era Veterans lead the City’s parade. This marks the culmination of our Vietnam Commemorative Partnership Program with President Obama and the United States Department of Defense for the 50th Anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War. Mayor Yepsen continued, “I hope the citizens of Saratoga Springs will join with us in this remembrance by attending the parade and the following ceremony.”

Keynote Speaker, Commander Elvis T. Mikel, United States Navy reflected, “Memorial Day has a very special meaning to those who have served and are currently serving in our armed forces.” He continued, “Members of the military draw strength and continuity from remembering our Comrades in Arms who came before us and paid the ultimate sacrifice for our way of life.”

For more information on the Saratoga Springs Memorial Day Parade and Closing Ceremony, contact Gayle LaSalle at 518-587-3550 x2520 or gayle.lasalle@saratoga-springs.org.