LYNN — The 2026 North Shore Veterans & First Responders Parade Committee of the Lynn Veterans Council is organizing the return of the parade in Lynn to celebrate veterans, first responders, and commemorate the 25th anniversary of 9/11 and the War on Terror, and celebrate the 250th birthday of the United States.
The event, scheduled for Sept. 20 at 1 p.m., with a rain date of Sept. 27, was created to bring the North Shore community together and honor those who work diligently to serve them. The last one was held in 2018.
The parade route will start at Centre Street, turn left onto Western Avenue, then onto Tucker Street, turn left onto Maple Street, right onto Ford Street, and lead into the parking lot at Manning Field, where there will be even more vehicles for children to see.
“Having the community come together, it takes a village,” said Ward 1 City Councilor Peter Meaney, who serves as treasurer. “From our firefighters, our police, our ambulance drivers, the first responders, our veterans… We have that because of those people. They’ve given us so much, even on a daily basis, just to make things run in the city, and we want to give back on this. We want to put on the best parade the North Shore has ever seen.”
The Council has been working diligently to make just that happen, all while coordinating special moments throughout the parade, including former Parade Grand Marshall and Committee member David J. Solimine Sr., who will have his horse-drawn hearse from 1878.
There will also be a 40-ton Sherman Tank from World War II, vehicles supplied by the National Guard, the fire and police departments, and ambulances.
The parade, which will be led by the Greater Boston Bagpipe and Drum Corp, is sure to be a family-friendly experience.
“We want to put on a show and show our thanks and appreciation for those that serve,” added retired Army First Sergeant and Council President Wayne Johnson.
To make sure the event runs smoothly, the Council is welcoming volunteers to help be a part of the parade and support the event logistically, as well as any veteran organizations that want to participate. Those looking to sign up can do so here or contact Donald Castle at 781-589-0694.
