Memorial Day - City of Goshen, Indiana

2026 Memorial Day Remembrance and Parade set for May 25

Goshen will gather Monday, May 25, 2026, for its annual Memorial Day Remembrance and downtown parade.

The tradition honors the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. It reflects Goshen’s gratitude for veterans and families.

Goshen VFW Post 985 and civic partners lead the annual effort. Veterans groups, City departments, scouts and students help shape the day.

A morning of remembrance

The day begins with a quiet service at Powerhouse Park along the Elkhart River near the Goshen Farmer’s Market on West Washington Street. Community members then walk to the Historic Elkhart County Courthouse lawn in downtown Goshen for a short ceremony.

The downtown parade follows and ends at Oakridge Cemetery with music, remarks and a final tribute.

Schedule of events

Reading names and remembering the fallen — Memorial Service at the Courthouse Veterans Memorial

Monday, May 25, 2026 – Goshen.

8:45 a.m.
Riverfront service at Powerhouse Park
9 a.m.
Historic Courthouse ceremony
9:30 a.m.
Parade lineup at Goshen Police Department
10:15 a.m.
Parade steps off through downtown
11 a.m.
Final ceremony at Oakridge Cemetery

2026 Memorial Day Ceremony participants

Parade Marshal
Sgt. Wayne Hawn, U.S. Army, served at Berlin Field Station during Vietnam War
Guest Speaker
Major Sgt. Victoria Molnar, U.S. Air Force (retired), seved as a B-1 Bomber crew chief
Flag Raising
Commanders of local Veterans Organizations
National Anthem
Goshen High School Band
Invocation/Benediction
Wayne Hawn, Honor Guard Chaplain
Welcoming Remarks
George Buckmaster, VFW Post 985 Commander
Guest Speaker
Goshen Mayor Gina Leichty
Firing Party
Combined unit of local service clubs
Taps
Don Johnson
Additional participants
Jeff Schrock, past commander VFW Post 985; Don Malott Sr., commander American Legion Post 30; Jeff Gibson, commander DAV Post 15; Ana Schue, auxilary president VFW Post 985; Andy Stephenson, incoming Goshen Police Chief; Anthony Powell, Goshen Fire Chief; and Capt. Mike Culp, Elkhart County Sheriff’s Department

Jeff Schrock’s steady leadership

Jeff Schrock has organized Goshen’s Memorial Day Parade since around 2001. He continued a local tradition led before him by the DAV’s Mike Wheeler.

Schrock, a lifelong Goshen resident, has served with the Goshen Police Department, U.S. Air Force, Air National Guard, VFW and American Legion. His work brings veterans groups, police, fire and City leaders together in shared remembrance.

Parade safety and respect

Attendees should keep children and pets behind the viewing line throughout the parade.

Spectators should not enter the road or allow bikes and strollers into the parade route.

City officials ask residents to stay respectful during ceremonies and when color guards pass. Bring American flags, wear patriotic colors and help set a respectful, grateful tone.