The 99th Annual South Bend Westside Memorial Day Parade will take place on Monday, May 26, at 8:15 a.m. along Ford Street, continuing a cherished tradition of honoring the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to the country. This year’s theme, “We Remember, We Honor, We Salute,” will guide the parade in paying tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Parade Details:
The procession will feature floats, community groups, and walking units, traveling east on Ford Street from Lombardy to Olive Streets. The event is expected to last about 90 minutes. Spectators are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and enjoy one of South Bend’s most meaningful community events.
Memorial Service:
Following the parade, the community is invited to a Memorial Mass and Service at St. Joseph Cemetery, 24980 SR 2, starting at 10:15 a.m. The service will include Military Honors and the solemn reading of names of all St. Joseph County veterans who passed away in the last year.
Host Post and Refreshments:
VFW Post 9820, located at 4829 W Linden Ave, will serve as the host post this year and will provide free refreshments, including sodas and hot dogs, to the public after the Memorial Service at the cemetery.
Parking and Parade Route Information:
Participants can park in the lots of Storage King/Planet Fitness, Navarre Middle School, and St. Adalbert’s Church, located at the end of the parade route. Please note that parking will not be permitted along Ford Street (Lombardy to Scenic) or on Summit Street (Ford to Mayfair) between 6:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Spectators should line the route between Lombardy and Olive Streets, and parade programs will be available with participant listings, acknowledgments, and names of honored veterans.
Street Renaming Ceremony:
In anticipation of the parade, Mayor James Mueller will temporarily rename the intersection of Ford Street and Lombardy Drive during a special ceremony on Friday, May 23, at 11:30 a.m. City leaders, media, and the public are invited to attend this ceremony of community pride and remembrance.
Community Support:
The historic parade is organized entirely by volunteers, with significant support from the South Bend Fire Department, South Bend Police Department, and South Bend Traffic & Lighting Department.
This year’s parade is set to continue the tradition of bringing the community together to honor those who gave everything for the country.
