Cape Cod Memorial Day observances: Parades and ceremonies from Falmouth to Provincetown

On Cape Cod, Memorial Day weekend signals the start of backed-up traffic on the bridges, long, hot summer days and summer residents returning for their extended stays.

In the midst of all the excitement, it's important we don't lose sight of what the weekend is truly about: honoring the brave men and women who lost their lives protecting our freedoms.

This year, Memorial Day is May 27, and in honor of the holiday several towns across the Cape are hosting observances, celebrations and parades. Below is a list of some of the Memorial Day events happening throughout the weekend — most falling on the day itself — for those interested in saying thank you and sharing condolences to those we've lost.

Memorial Day events on Cape Cod

Bourne

An observance for Memorial Day will be held at the Massachusetts National Cemetery at 1 p.m. on May 26.

Operation Flags for Vets will place flags at Massachusetts National Cemetery at 10 a.m. on May 25. Removal of the flags will take place at 9 a.m. on June 1 with a rain date scheduled for June 2.

Hyannis

The annual Troops in the Spotlight ceremony takes place at 11:30 a.m. on May 26 behind the Cape Cod Mall in Hyannis.

Orleans

The town of Orleans’ Memorial Day event will kick off at 10 a.m. on May 27 at Town Cove (near the Orleans Yacht Club). At the event, members of the Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and Merchant Marines will be honored during a brief service.

A walk to Veterans Memorial Park will follow where the service will continue, honoring the Army, Air Force and all military personnel. At the park, keynote speaker Tim Whalen will deliver an address accompanied by music from the Nauset Regional Middle School band and participation from the Orleans Police and Fire Honor Guard.

Falmouth

Falmouth’s Memorial Day begins with a procession at 9:45 a.m. on the Falmouth Village Green followed by a ceremony at 10 a.m. at the Falmouth Public Library.

During the ceremony, an opening prayer will be led by Reverend Nell Fields of the Waquoit Congregational Church, a keynote address will be delivered by Chris Hickey, assistant director of the Bourne National Cemetery, and performances will be given by the Brian Boru Pipe Band and the Combined Falmouth School Band.

A light lunch at Elks Lodge will follow the ceremony and a wreath-laying ceremony will take place at the Sailor’s Memorial with the Coast Guard and Sea Scouts at noon.

Yarmouth

The Town of Yarmouth’s Memorial Day kicks off at 11 a.m. on May 27 at Yarmouth Town Hall. The event is currently scheduled to take place outdoors but will be moved inside if it rains.

Centerville

Centerville’s Memorial Day observances, hosted by the Centerville Civic Association, begin at 10 a.m. with the annual Memorial Day Parade led by the police color guard and consisting of Scout Troops, veterans and Revolutionary War reenactors running from South Congregational Church (565 Main St.) to Memorial Park. Once at Memorial Park, the Memorial Day ceremony will commence.

Plus, the Memorial Day pancake breakfast returns for the first time since the pandemic at a new venue and with new hosts, the South Congregational Church. Breakfast begins at 7:30 a.m. and costs $7 for adults, $5 for kids five to 10 and is free for kids five and under.

Dennis

The Town of Dennis will hold a Memorial Day observance ceremony at 10 a.m., Monday, May 27 at Dennis Port Village Green at 29 Hall St. Participants include veterans, town officials, Scouts, graduates of Dennis-Yarmouth High School vocalists, and students from the DYIMS playing taps. The observance will include reading of the names of the deceased, placement of a wreath by Thomas O'Connor Jr., and a special remembrance of Brian Hawkesworth. Inclement weather: Dennis Public Library, 5 Hall St. , Dennis Port

Chatham

Chatham’s Memorial Day ceremony begins at 10 a.m. on May 27 on the front lawn of the Chatham Community Center (702 Main St.) next to the World War I Memorial.

Brewster

Brewster’s Memorial Day celebration will begin at noon on May 27 at the Brewster Council on Aging (1673 Main St.).

Remarks will be given by Captain Mary Chaffee, Brewster Select Board vice chair and a retired member of the Nurse Corps for the Navy, Reverend Karen Anderson, SP5 specialist Jim Bergeron and retired Lt. Colonel for the Marine Corps Ralph Negron.

Harwich

Harwich’s Memorial Day observance, hosted by the Harwich Veterans Liaison, begins at 9:30 a.m. on May 27 at Brooks Park.

Wellfleet

Wellfleet’s Memorial Day observance, hosted by American Legion Post 287, begins at 9 a.m. on May 27 on the front lawn at town hall honoring those who served in the U.S. military.

Eastham

Eastham's Memorial Day ceremony will take place at 10 a.m. on May 27 at the 1869 Schoolhouse Museum (25 Schoolhouse Road.)

These are all the events listed at the time of publication of this article.

Frankie Rowley covers entertainment and things to do. Contact her at frowley@capecodonline.com.

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This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: Memorial Day on Cape Cod: Parades, wreath-laying, breakfasts and more