Brooklyn's 159th Memorial Day Parade honors heroes with vintage vehicles and live music
Brooklyn’s annual Memorial Day Parade returns for its 159th year on Monday, May 25, 2026. The event honours service members under the theme Lest We Forget and will feature military displays, vintage vehicles, and live music along its traditional route. The parade kicks off at 11 a.m. from the corner of 3rd Avenue and 78th Street. Attendees will see a procession of classic cars, military trucks, NYPD and NYC Parks mounted units, and marching bands, including the NYPD Band and the All City Band. Organisers have reminded spectators that alcohol is banned along the entire route.
This year’s Grand Marshals are Brigadier General Michael J. Deegan and Robin Kelleher, CEO of the veterans’ charity Hope For The Warriors. Colonel Misty Cantwell will also be recognised as the event’s honored officer. The United Military Veterans of Kings County, Inc. is sponsoring the parade. After winding down 3rd Avenue to Marine Avenue and up 4th Avenue, the procession will conclude at John Paul Jones Park. A memorial ceremony will follow at the park to pay tribute to fallen service members.
The parade remains one of Brooklyn’s longest-running Memorial Day traditions. With its mix of military tributes, live performances, and community involvement, the event draws crowds each year. The ceremony at John Paul Jones Park will close the day’s commemorations.
