Top 6 ways to celebrate Memorial Day in NW Philadelphia

Memorial Day is a day to pay tribute to the military men and women who served our nation throughout the years. Here’s a roundup of events taking place in Northwest Philadelphia intended to do just that. 

Sunday 

12 p.m. parade, service and reception at Laurel Hill Cemetery, 3822 Ridge Avenue 

The traditional Decoration Day service of Grand Army Meade Post #1 will be recreated at the East Falls cemetery, the site of the first Memorial Day observance in Philadelphia in 1868. The group will gather at the resting place of General George Gordon Meade, hero of the Battle of Gettysburg to perform the traditional service honoring all veterans who fell defending the nation. A wreath-laying, speeches and honor guards will be included in the ceremony. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, call 215-228-8200. 

Monday 

The 21st Ward Veterans Association is hosting a series of events in Roxborough and Manayunk. Most of the ceremonies will include a wreath placement, taps, remarks, invocations and benedictions.

10 a.m. at Wissahickon War Memorial, Sumac Street and Rochelle Avenue
11:30 a.m. at Hattal-Taylor VFW Post 333, Pechin Street and Lyceum Avenue
12:15 p.m. at Leverington Cemetery, Ridge and Lyceum avenues
1 p.m. at Gorgas Park, Ridge Avenue and Gates Street

In honor of Memorial Day, the historic bell at the Concord School in Germantown will ring at 2 p.m. to honor America’s veterans.

Visitors are invited to explore the Concord School and the Upper Burying Ground. The site will be open to the public from 12 to 3 p.m. and guided tours will take place at 1:30 and 2:30 p.m. More than 50 Revolutionary War soldiers are laid to rest at that site. 
Visitors are also invited to explore the Lower Burying Grounds, also known as Hood Cemetery, located at 4901 Germantown Avenue, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with guided tours at 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.