Westerly-Pawcatuck Veterans Day Parade: Two Towns, Two States, One Community
At a Glance
What: Westerly-Pawcatuck Veterans Day Parade
When: Saturday, November 14, 2026
Time: 9:30–11 a.m.
Location: Pawcatuck, CT, and downtown Westerly, RI
Starting Point: Veterans Memorial at the intersection of Route 1 and Route 234 in Pawcatuck
Parade Route: West Broad Street in Pawcatuck, across the state line into downtown Westerly, ending at the Westerly Armory
Final Destination: Westerly Armory, Railroad Avenue, Westerly, RI
Featuring: Veterans Day parade, military music, commemorative ceremony, and light lunch
Organizer: Westerly-Pawcatuck Board of Control
Weather: Outdoor event; dress for November conditions
Event Description
Westerly-Pawcatuck Veterans Day Parade brings two neighboring communities together on Saturday, November 14, to honor the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Beginning at 9:30 a.m., the parade will travel from Pawcatuck, Connecticut, across the Pawcatuck River into downtown Westerly, Rhode Island, before concluding at the Westerly Armory with a ceremony honoring veterans and a light lunch.
Sponsored by the Westerly-Pawcatuck Board of Control, the annual observance invites residents, families, veterans, and visitors to come together in recognition of military service and sacrifice.
A Veterans Day Tradition That Crosses State Lines
Few communities share a connection quite like Westerly and Pawcatuck.
Separated by the Pawcatuck River and a state boundary, the two towns share downtown streets, businesses, families, and generations of local history.
Each November, their Veterans Day parade reflects that relationship as participants travel from Connecticut into Rhode Island in a public tribute to those who have served.
The parade begins at the Veterans Memorial near the intersection of Route 1 and Route 234 in Pawcatuck. From there, the procession follows West Broad Street toward the river, crosses into Westerly, and continues through downtown to the Westerly Armory.
Residents can gather along the route to show their appreciation as the procession passes.
Remembering Those Who Served
Veterans Day is an opportunity to recognize the service of Americans who have worn the nation’s military uniforms, both during wartime and in times of peace.
For Westerly and Pawcatuck, the annual parade gives that recognition a local presence.
It’s a chance for families to acknowledge veterans in their own neighborhoods, for younger generations to learn about military service, and for the community to remember the sacrifices made by service members and their loved ones.
The Westerly Band is also scheduled to participate, bringing traditional military music to the observance.
The parade provides an opportunity to honor veterans publicly while bringing together residents from both sides of the state line.
A Ceremony at the Westerly Armory
The parade concludes at the Westerly Armory, where a commemorative ceremony will recognize veterans and their service.
The program is expected to include military marches and remarks from local dignitaries, according to the Westerly Band’s event listing.
A light lunch will follow the ceremony, and the public is welcome to attend.
The Westerly Armory has long been part of the town’s military and civic history. Today, it serves as a community gathering place and houses collections that preserve local military heritage.
Ending the parade at the Armory connects the public celebration with a place closely associated with the region’s service members.
Where to Watch the Parade
Spectators can watch the procession along its route through Pawcatuck and downtown Westerly.
West Broad Street in Pawcatuck offers an opportunity to see the parade before it crosses the river. Downtown Westerly provides additional viewing areas as the procession makes its way toward Railroad Avenue.
Those planning to attend the ceremony can head toward the Westerly Armory, where the parade concludes.
Because the procession travels through downtown streets, visitors should anticipate temporary traffic restrictions and allow additional time for parking.
The organizer has not published specific road closure or parking instructions in the event announcement.
A Community Gathering of Gratitude
Veterans Day is observed nationally on November 11, but Westerly and Pawcatuck will hold their community parade on Saturday, November 14.
The Saturday schedule gives residents an opportunity to gather along the streets, attend the ceremony, and participate in a shared expression of appreciation.
The event is free and open to everyone.
Whether attending to honor a family member, support a neighbor who served, or simply show gratitude to the nation’s veterans, the Westerly-Pawcatuck Veterans Day Parade offers a meaningful way to take part.
Featured image is an artistic representation inspired by the event and may not depict the actual people, location, or activities shown.