Proud service-minded veterans, talented musicians and enthusiastic students, teachers and others marched through the city for this year’s Veterans Day Parade.
Kicking off from the American Legion Post 122 on Broadway, the parade stopped at the Revolutionary War monument on Charles Street for a brief ceremony. The parade proceeded down Hampshire Steet onto Lowell Street, stopping at Walnut Grove Cemetery for the final ceremony. Members of the American Legion read proclamations from the Statehouse honoring veterans, and Tenney School eighth-grader Lenna Qesmi also participated in the remembrance ceremony.
Parade participants included members of the Lawrence Vietnam Memorial group, Frank Curran driving the authentic Army Jeep that he rebuilt, Methuen Police and Fire Departments, Methuen High School’s JROTC and Ranger Marching Band and Girl Scout Troop 84631.
The Tenney School always has a strong showing in this parade. This year, 100-plus fifth- to eighth-grade Tenney Tigers – representing the school’s Junior National Honor Society, SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions), Peer Leaders and Student Council – all marched!
New to the parade this year was the band La Banda Dela Rose, who played taps during the ceremony at Walnut Grove Cemetery, which was filled with nearly 200 parade-goers. Some were holding flags, there were veterans wearing caps depicting the branch of service they served, and yet others who came out to honor veterans on this special day.
Bridget Kay, 9, and her best friend and neighbor, Bella Burges, 8, passed out handmade cards to veterans while thanking them for their service.
At the request of local veterans, the Methuen parade is always held on Veterans Day, so mark your calendar for Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026 at 10am!
Flag-ready at the start of the parade are (from left) Anny Lopez; Kendra Santos, 9; and Genesis Beato, 14. ML photo
Proud to march! ML photo by Melissa Fili
Gianna Lucrezia, 10, made this touching sign for her grandfather, Army vet Ernie Johnson of Methuen, who marched in the parade. ML photo by Melissa Fili
These Girl Scouts were smilin’, despite the chilly temps! ML photo by Melissa Fili
Methuen Police Honor Guard marches down Broadway, flags riding the wind! ML photo by Melissa Fili
Mayor David “DJ” Beauregard (back to camera) stood with others listening as the Ranger Band performed. ML photo by Nancy Reardon
The Methuen High School Marching Band played “The Star-Spangled Banner” as onlookers placed their hand on their heart. ML photo by Nancy Reardon
Methuen High Schools JROTC marched in unison during the parade and held military flags during the ceremony at Walnut Grove Cemetery. ML photo by Nancy Reardon
Students and teachers from Tenney Grammar School take part in marching in the parade. For organizing and participating in the parade, Supervising Principal David Hill gave a special shout-out to staff members Jessica Leal, Meg McCarty, Jenna Poulin, Jannine Belitti and Shannon Quinn. ML photo by Nancy Reardon
Members of the Lawrence Vietnam Memorial, all Vietnam veterans, march in every local parade honoring those who lost their lives in the war. ML photo by Nancy Reardon
