Memorial Day Parade set for May 25

With the theme of “All Gave Some … Some Gave All,” the city of Sarasota and the Sarasota Patriotic Observance Committee will host the annual Memorial Day Parade beginning at 10 a.m. Monday, May 25, in downtown.

The parade route begins at Main Street and Orange Avenue and concludes at J.D. Hamel Park at Main Street and Gulfstream Avenue. There, a ceremony will be held at approximately 11 a.m. featuring guest speaker Charlie Halley, a U.S. Army veteran who served on active duty and in the U.S. Army Reserve for nearly 11 years, rising to the rank of corporal before building a diverse career in media. 

Halley is known locally as “The Comet” on his weekday morning show with WSRQ, LECOM Radio and as the founder of DD214 Jeepers, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting veterans in the Sarasota area.

The parade will include performances by the Sarasota Military Academy band and participation by local law enforcement agencies, first responders, color guards, veterans’ groups, community organizations and local dignitaries.

Commercial vehicles will not be permitted. In addition, parade participants are prohibited from throwing objects, including candy, to the crowd.

For information about participating in the parade, contact Sarasota Patriotic Observance Committee Chairman Dan Kennedy by email at [email protected] or 941-812-5406.