Decorated Veteran BG (Ret.) Karen A. Berry Keynote Speaker
The Wilmington Memorial Day Committee officially invites community organizations, veteran groups, military units, and schools to participate in the city’s 159th consecutive Memorial Day Parade on Saturday, May 30, 2026.
Wilmington holds one of the nation’s longest-running continuous Memorial Day traditions.
The city’s observance dates back to May 5, 1868, when General John Alexander Logan, Commander-in-Chief of the Grand Army of the Republic, issued General Order #11 establishing May 30 as a day to honor those who fell during the Civil War.
That same year, a dedicated group of New Castle County citizens formed the original committee to ensure Wilmington answered that call.
In keeping with this sacred 159-year tradition, the Committee emphasizes that the event is a solemn tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for the nation.
The Memorial Day Parade is strictly a non-partisan, respectful commemorative event. In the true spirit of honoring our war dead, the Committee requests that all marchers conduct themselves with the utmost decorum. Overt political campaigning, political signs, or electioneering of any kind will not be permitted.
Keynote Speaker: Brigadier General (Ret.) Karen A. Berry
The Committee is proud to announce that the distinguished keynote speaker for this year’s memorial service will be Brigadier General (Ret.) Karen A. Berry.
General Berry has dedicated over three decades to military and community service.
Commissioned in 1990 through the University of Delaware ROTC program, her highly decorated military career spanned the Delaware and Connecticut National Guards.
Her leadership roles included serving as Commander of the 261st Signal Brigade, deploying to Afghanistan as Deputy Commander of the 335th Signal Command, and serving as Director of the Joint Staff in both Delaware and Connecticut.
She retired in 2023 as Special Assistant to the Adjutant General in Delaware.
BG Berry’s exceptional service earned her numerous prestigious decorations, including the Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, and the Delaware Conspicuous Service Cross.
Beyond her military achievements, Berry spent 25 years as a dedicated mathematics educator in Delaware schools and currently serves as a Veterans Advocate at Delaware Technical Community College’s Owens Campus, where she supports student veterans and their families.
Parade Schedule & Route Details
Date: Saturday, May 30, 2026
Line-up Time: 5:15 p.m.
Step-off Time: 6:00 p.m.
Location: Departs from Delaware Avenue and Woodlawn Avenue.
Route: Participants will march east down Delaware Avenue to the Civil War Monument at Broom Street.
Immediately following the parade, a formal memorial service will be held at the Civil War Monument to honor the fallen heroes of all American conflicts.
How to Participate
As General John A. Logan famously declared in 1868: “When other eyes grow dull, and other hands slack, and other hearts cold in the solemn trust, ours will keep it well as long as light and the warmth of life remain in us.”
The Wilmington community is invited to stand together once again to keep that solemn trust.
