Appleton Memorial Day Parade to take place Monday

APPLETON, WI (WGBW) – Appleton and Outagamie County are readying for the Appleton Memorial Day Parade and “Moment of Remembrance” Ceremony on Monday, May 26, to honor the brave United States service members who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of American rights and freedoms.

“Memorial Day is a time for our community to come together in reflection and gratitude,” said Corey Otis, City of Appleton Parade Committee Chairperson. “Through the parade and ceremony, we honor those who gave their lives in service and reaffirm our commitment to remembering their sacrifice.”

Every year, the Appleton Memorial Day Parade pays tribute to servicemen and women who lost their lives in service to the United States of America. It annually draws hundreds of participants and thousands of spectators to Appleton. 

Memorial Day Parade Time and Route

The parade begins at 9 a.m. on Memorial Day. 

The route:

• Starts at the corner of College Avenue and Appleton Street
• Heads east on College Avenue to Meade Street
• North on Meade Street to Pacific Street
• East on Pacific Street 
• Ends at the corner of Pacific Street and Owaissa Street.

The Fox Valley Veterans Council, Fast Signs, and Great Northern Corporation have partnered for a special tribute for Memorial Day. The Fox Valley Veterans Council has long maintained a list of Outagamie County servicemen and women who perished while serving in the United States military from the Civil War to the present. Fast Signs designed and produced large banners to display these names for the parade. 

Great Northern Corporation will drive the banners through the Appleton Memorial Day Parade on a semi truck, which will ultimately park outside the entrance of Riverside Cemetery. 

Parade spectators are encouraged to read the names of the fallen servicemen and women, remember their sacrifice, and reflect upon their service.

Moment of Remembrance

The “Moment of Remembrance” ceremony will occur immediately following the Parade in Appleton’s historic Riverside Cemetery, at the George D. Eggleston, G.A.R. monument – 714 North Owaissa Street. 

A short, second ceremony takes place after the City’s ceremony, at the Appleton American Legion Post No. 38 plot. This plot is located at the entrance of the St. Joseph Cemetery within Riverside Cemetery.

The keynote speaker is Addison Walt, a 17-year-old Appleton North High School junior. She is a proud captain of her school’s forensics team and treasurer for the Appleton Youth Education Initiative. She was also recently elected treasurer for her school’s National Honor Society chapter. Outside of school, Addison enjoys coaching youth rugby. She is grateful for the opportunity to honor our veterans at this year’s Moment of Remembrance in Appleton.

Other speakers include:

• Kalayna Small from Appleton East 
• Maggie Leon from Appleton West 
• Anna Buschkopf from Fox Valley Lutheran
• MaKenzie Ness from Xavier 
• Appleton Mayor Jake Woodford
• Chaplain Bob Johnson from American Legion Post 38

The event includes live performances from bagpiper Drew Grunwald, MacDowell Male Chorus, and the Appleton City Band. Color and honor guards from various local veteran service organizations will also participate. 

The ceremony will end in the traditional manner with a rifle salute to our fallen servicemen and women, performed by members of Appleton American Legion Post 38 and Appleton VFW Post 2778. A bugler will play “Taps” to close the Moment of Remembrance.

Follow the City of Appleton Parades on Facebook for news and updates on this year’s Memorial Day Parade and Moment of Remembrance ceremony as well as announcements regarding the 74th Flag Day Parade, scheduled for June 14, 2025.