Memorial Day Observances Planned in Portsmouth

VFW Post #168 Commander and City Councilor Josh Denton has provided details on the plans for the City’s Memorial Day observances.

On Friday, May 26, 2023, at 11 am the American Legion/VFW conducts the annual Burial at Sea Ceremony by the anchor sculpture in Prescott Park. The ceremony includes a performance of patriotic music by the Portsmouth Middle School Ensemble and a wreath-laying on the Piscataqua River.  

On Monday, May 29 at 2 pm the City and American Legion Post #168 host a Memorial Day Ceremony at the Plains Field. Reverend Chris Dunaway will preside as Chaplain and the Portsmouth High School Clipper Band will perform. Recognizing that Operation Iraqi Freedom launched twenty years ago, in March 2003, City Councilor Kate Cook, who worked in the US State Department with Secretary of State Colin Powell will be the keynote speaker for the ceremony.  

In the event of rain both ceremonies will be held at the American Legion at 96 Islington Street. 

Also on Monday, May 29, 2023, the USS Albacore Submarine Memorial Park hosts its annual Memorial Day ceremony at 10 am.

Instead of a Memorial Day Parade, the City will celebrate its 400th Anniversary with the Portsmouth NH 400 Grand Parade on Saturday, June 3. All veterans are invited to participate in that parade. Post #168 is coordinating a convoy of DeLoreans to transport veterans who are unable to walk in the parade.

City Hall will be closed on Monday, May 29 in observance of the holiday. City Hall offices will be open on Tuesday, May 30 from 8 am to 6 pm.