Members of the Nashua High School Junior ROTC march in Nashua's 2019 Memorial Day parade.

Nashua’s 2020 Memorial Day parade, set for Monday, May 25, has been canceled.

Mayor Jim Donchess and Barney Barbera, chairman of the Mayor’s Veterans Council, said Monday that the decision was made “in the interest of keeping Nashua residents healthy and safe in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

“Like a lot of Nashuans, I very much look forward to our city’s annual Memorial Day parade,” Donchess said. “The decision to cancel this year’s event was a tough one, (but) in talking with Barney Barbera and other members of the veterans’ council, we decided to cancel it to protect our residents during this difficult time.

“Don’t worry – next year’s parade is already on our minds and we can’t wait to start planning,” he added.

Barbera said cemetery ceremonies that normally accompany the parade have also been canceled. He’s looking forward to when Nashua is on the other side of this health crisis.

“To our veterans’ groups, school bands and other participants, we are hoping to see you soon,” said Barbera. “Keep doing what you’re doing, stay safe.”

Barbera added that the city’s annual Veterans Day parade is still on this year, set for Nov. 11.

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