Memorial Day Ceremony and Parade Presented by Citizens State Bank
Thank you to our supporters!
The New Castle Henry County Chamber of Commerce is proud to host the largest Memorial Day Ceremony and Parade in the Midwest!
Presented by Citizens State Bank
We are blessed to have the opportunity to all come together and remember the fallen and honor those who are still with us today.
Monday, May 25, 2026
Downtown New Castle
9:00am Ceremony on courthouse lawn -10:00am Parade
This year’s Chamber Memorial Day Parade theme,
“Honoring 250 Years of American Service,”
commemorates the 250th anniversary of our nation by recognizing the men and women who have served—past and present—to protect our freedoms and uphold the ideals upon which America was founded.
Participants be sure to arrive according to directional arrows on map!
Only parade vehicles are permitted in line-up areas.
Veteran parking for ceremony is available in the Justice Center east parking lot. Arrive traveling east on Hwy 38/Broad Street then south/right on 11th Street. Take 11th Street to Race Street. Turn east/left and go to the parking lot on the east side of the Justice Center.
ATTN VETERANS the VFW float would love to have you as their guest on their float in the parade! Please gather in front of the ceremony podium immediately after the ceremony and you will be assisted to the float.
Restrooms will be available at the Justice Center parking lot, community building at the corner of Broad and Main Streets, 1400 Plaza, library parking lot, Armory parking lot, and the high school parking lot.
VETERANS please check-in at the hospitality table upon arrival between 8:30am and 8:55am.
Limited veteran parking available along Race Street on the south side of the courthouse.
This year’s Chamber Memorial Day Parade theme,
“Honoring 250 Years of American Service,”
commemorates the 250th anniversary of our nation by recognizing the men and women who have served—past and present—to protect our freedoms and uphold the ideals upon which America was founded.
Click Here To Register for Parade
Parade Cash and Trophy Award: Chamber Choice Float
Certificate Awards: Crowd Pleaser, Patriotic, Most Unique, and Youth Spirit
Dixie the Praying Dog will be joining us again in 2026! Learn more about Dixie on her Facebook page! https://www.facebook.com/dixietheprayingdog
Memorial Day Ceremony
The Memorial Day Ceremony begins at 9am in the New Castle Courthouse lawn.
The ceremony honors the men and women who have paid the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the United States military.
Memorial Day is to memorialize the veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. We remember those who lost their lives and could not come home, reflecting on their service and why we have the luxury and freedom that we enjoy today.
Program:
Memorial Day Ceremony
May 25, 2026 - Henry County Courthouse Lawn
Master of Ceremonies
Invocation
National Anthem (please rise)
New Castle Marching Band directed by Mr. Johnathon Edwards, Assistant Director Rebecca Ward
RECOGNITION OF ALL VETERANS
WWII
Korea and Vietnam
Vietnam
Grenada, Panama, Gulf War, Bosnia
Afghanistan and Iraq
Peace-time and Current Service
Honoring WWII veteran Joe Dietz
Vocalist
Chuck Brenneman, The Audio Tailor
Welcome
Greg York, Mayor of New Castle
Special Guests
-Steve Justus, Regional Director, Northeast Indiana United States Senator Jim Banks
-Captain Nate LaMar
-U.S. Air Force Staff Sergeant Anthony Carvalho
-Senator Jeffery Raatz
Placing of the Wreath
VFW and American Legion Ladies Auxiliary
Gun Salute and Taps
VFW Post #1282 Honor Guard
American Legion Post #137 Honor Guard
Benediction
Thank you to Dixie the Praying Dog for supporting our veterans, peace time and current service members
Memorial Day Facts, Meaning and Traditions
Remember: Raise the flag with honor and respect! Guidelines for flying the American Flag.
National Poppy Day is May 22, 2026 - The red poppy is a nationally recognized symbol of sacrifice worn by Americans since WWI to honor those who served and did for our country in all wars. Read the story of the red poppy.
Memorial Day Parade & Sponsor Information
Parade registration closes May 21st. Parade entries after May 21st will have a $25 fee.
Parade registrants: Instructions for line-up will go out by email no later than May 22nd. If you do not receive an email please contact us at info@nchcchamber.com.
Parade sponsor print deadline for window clings is May 1st. Any sponsorships after May 1st will not be on promotional window clings.
The Memorial Day parade begins at 10am in downtown New Castle, Indiana
The parade is a long-time community-anticipated event!
Cash and award prize for the best decorated theme entry. Be creative with your floats! Let's make 2026 our greatest year yet in memory of our fallen heroes!
Memorial Day Parade Sponsor $250 / Non-Member $350*- receives signage to place on float or carry in parade, website, program, and social media recognition. Will be included in sponsor listing on window cling at the corner of Main St. and Broad St. in downtown New Castle. Sponsorship must be in by May 4 to meet the deadline to be included in the window cling promotion.
*Non-member sponsors may apply $100 to their membership fee if they join within 90 days of the event.
Additional levels of sponsorship are available. See link below for full details.
All participants must be registered to be in the parade. If you do not register and show up, you will be placed at the end of the line-up with no announcement.
-Those with children participating in the parade must assume responsibility for the safety of those children.
-The Chamber is not responsible for accidents or injuries caused by participation in the parade. Participants assume all risks and responsibilities.
-The Chamber is not responsible for accidents or injuries caused by participation in the parade. Participants assume all risks and responsibilities.
Road Closures will be in place no later than 9am. Road closure map will be posted closer to the parade date.
Thank you to Cathy Crabtree for providing the photography