Our Mission

The Little Neck-Douglaston Memorial Day Parade is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization committed to honoring those who died during service and supporting veterans, active military and their families.   Founded in 1927, we are a non-partisan, non-political organization that strives to remind and educate young people and others of American history and the selfless contributions of veterans to that history by organizing an annual Memorial Day Parade.  When held, we also sponsor a student essay and art contest based on the parade theme, inviting students to reflect on our past, present, and future as a free and democratic country. There will not be an Art and Essay contest in 2026.

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The Little Neck-Douglaston Memorial Day Parade is a quintessentially American hometown tradition, organized by ordinary folk from many walks of life: local business-people; working or stay-home moms and dads; retirees and the young.

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Rain or shine every Memorial Day since 1927 -- when American Legion Post #103 marched to remember their fallen comrades 10 years after they went off to, "the War to end all wars" -- we follow in their footsteps, remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice and those who survived them. 

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Some of us work hundreds of hours over many months. Others just show up that morning, for one of the many tasks that go into hosting the largest continuously-held Memorial Day parade in the nation.

 

The Parade Committee and American Legion Post #103 invite you to join us. Plan to register and march in the annual Little Neck-Douglaston Memorial Day Parade.  Registered participants line up at 1:00 p.m. along Northern Boulevard at one of the assigned assembly locations shown on our Parade Day Info maps.

Parade Day 2026 is Monday, May 25. The parade steps off at 2:00 p.m. -- rain or shine!

As part of the parade experience, free refreshments, including our traditional hot dogs, and more treats from local merchants (limited availability) will be served when the first marchers arrive at the Divine Wisdom Catholic Academy schoolyard.

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If your group would like to participate, click Apply to March here or on the menu bar above.

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Each year, the parade draws marching bands, civic groups, veterans organizations, and neighbors from across Queens and Nassau County. Spectators line Northern Boulevard from Great Neck to Douglaston to honor those who served and to keep this community tradition alive.

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The directors and volunteers are preparing for Parade Day, Monday, May 25, 2026. We hope to see you there.