After a two-year hiatus, the annual Racine Memorial Day Parade is back. The parade takes place on Memorial Day (Monday, May 30) in West Racine. The Racine Area Veterans Inc. (RAVI) is this year’s event organizer.

Matthew Gorbaty, the lead event organizer from RAVI shares, “As a veteran myself, Memorial Day has a special place in my heart.” He has over 20 years of experience in the United States Marine Corps as a Field Artillery Officer, Foreign Security Forces Advisor, Formal Schools Instructor, and Operations and Tactics Instructor with a top-secret clearance.

He shares that this annual event is important because of Racine’s proud military heritage. Gorbaty says, “Gilbert Knapp founded Racine prior to the Civil War and the home he built – now at 820 Main St. is Racine Veterans Center and Legacy Museum. On Memorial Day we remember our fallen heroes who gave their lives in the defense of this great nation.”

Parade Details

Participants should be at the parade starting point at 9 a.m. The parade will officially start at 10 a.m. at the intersection of West Boulevard and Washington Avenue and will travel north. From West Boulevard it will move northwest on Osborne Road and will end at 11 a.m. at Graceland Cemetery, located off of Osborne.

The parade will feature the Kiwanis Walkers, who will be handing out flags. There will be a Kiwanis Veterans car in this year’s event. The Park High School JROTC Color Guard will be present. Additionally, there will be an Iwo Jima Float and Navy Ship Club 60 entry. The Lighthouse Brigade of Racine will also take the streets on Memorial Day. Parade-goers can expect to also see the 1st Cavalry Division and VVA Chapter #767 during the parade.

Local troops will also be involved including Cub Scouts Pack 135 and Girl Scout Troops 31528 and 30025. Lastly, First Student Bus Company will conclude the parade.

Racine Memorial Day Parade Route

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