Bronze Star Medal Recipient Will Be Danvers Memorial Parade Grand Marshal

DANVERS, MA —A Vietnam Bronze Star Medal and Combat Action Ribbon recipient will act as the grand marshal for this year's Danvers Memorial Day parade and ceremony.

The parade will start at the Holten Richmond Middle School at about 9 a.m. on May 26 and follow its customary route, weather permitting.

Traditional stops and placement of wreaths will occur at the Danvers Square Memorial Flagpole, the Town Hall Memorials, and Porter's Burial Ground on High Street.

All Danvers veterans are invited to participate in the parade in their civilian capacity, with a handicapped accessible trolley provided for those unable to march.

"Memorial Day is a reminder that freedom isn't free," Danvers Director of Veterans' Services Kelley Rayos-Teixeira said. "It’s a day to pause and reflect on the sacrifices of those who gave everything so we could live in liberty and to ensure their courage is never forgotten."

Captain Timothy F. Ready (Ret.), a veteran with 24 years of service in the United States Marine Corps and Naval Reserve, has been named Grand Marshal for 2025.

Ready's selection by the Danvers Veterans Council reflects his exceptional dedication and service.

The Memorial Day Ceremony will occur upon completion of the parade at about 10 a.m. inside the auditorium of the Holten Richmond Middle School. There will be performances by the Danvers High School Marching Band, the Danvers High School Advanced Chorus, Musket Salutes by the Danvers Alarm List, and the Roll Call of deceased veterans followed by a cannon volley.

Dick Moody, President of the Danvers Veterans Council, has expressed gratitude for the community's recognition of soldiers' sacrifices and urges residents to honor the patriotism displayed by these courageous individuals.

In the event of adverse weather conditions, a notice of parade cancellation will be posted on the town website.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. X/Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)