Memorial Day 20206: How Iowans can celebrate

The United States will celebrate Memorial Day on Monday, May 25, honoring U.S. military personnel who died serving the country.

The annual holiday, originally known as Decoration Day, was first celebrated on May 30, 1868 to honor fallen Civil War soldiers and eventually, all soldiers who died during service after World War I. Memorial Day was not recognized as a national holiday by the U.S. government until 1971, when Congress passed legislation declaring that the holiday would take place on the last Monday in May.

As residents of Iowa cities and towns prepare for the holiday by placing American flags at cemeteries, organizing parades and paying tribute to fallen service members, below are some events scheduled for Memorial Day 2026.

Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs Ceremony – 8 a.m.

Iowa Veterans Cemetery, 34024 Veterans Memorial Drive, Adel.

The Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs will host its first of two Memorial Day ceremonies in Adel to honor all U.S. military members at 8 a.m.

Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs Ceremony – 10:30 a.m.

Iowa Veterans Home, 1301 Summit St., Marshalltown.

The Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs will host its second Memorial Day ceremony at 10:30 a.m. in Marshalltown. Both events are free and open to the public.

Ames Memorial Day Parade and Program – 10:15 a.m.

City Hall, 515 Clark Ave., Ames.

The Ames Patriotic Council is hosting a Memorial Day parade and ceremony, beginning at Ames City Hall at 10:15 a.m. Retired U.S. Army Col. Reggie Richardson, an Ames resident and Iowa State University graduate, will be the keynote speaker for the ceremony, which will start at 11 a.m. at the Ames Municipal Cemetery on 310 E. Ninth St. 

The Metro Veterans Council Program – 10:30 a.m.

Veterans Memorial Building, 50 Second Ave. Bridge, Cedar Rapids.

The Metro Veterans Council is hosting a ceremony inside the Cedar Rapids Veterans Memorial Building starting at 10:30 a.m. The event will feature an opening prayer, live music and guest speakers.

Iowa Gold Star Military Museum Memorial Day Celebration – 5 a.m. 

Camp Dodge, 7105 N.W. 70th Ave., Johnston.

The Iowa Gold Star Military Museum will host a ceremony from 5 a.m. to noon, featuring a free military-style breakfast, live entertainment and a blood drive. 

The Marine Corps League’s Larry Nehring Detachment Memorial Day Event – 10 a.m.

Iowa State Capitol, 1007 East Grand Ave., Des Moines.

The Marine Corps League’s Larry Nehring Detachment will hold their annual Memorial Day commemoration on the south side of the Iowa State Capitol at 10 a.m. The keynote speaker is Roger Blanchfield, a Vietnam Army veteran.

Waterloo Parade and Program – 10 a.m.

Veterans Memorial Hall and Soldiers/Sailors Park, 655 Cedar St., Waterloo.

The City of Waterloo is hosting a Memorial Day parade starting at 10 a.m. Parade route details can be found on the Black Hawk County website.

Dubuque Parade and Ceremony – Noon

Greyhound Park Drive, Dubuque.

The Tri-State Women Warriors, Veterans Freedom Center, Dubuque County Veteran Services and American Legion will host a parade starting at noon on Greyhound Park Drive. A ceremony will follow the parade at the Veterans Memorial Plaza.

Fort Dodge and Webster County Memorial Day Ceremony – 10 a.m.

Terry Moehnke Veterans Memorial Park, 1386 National Ave., Fort Dodge.

The Fort Dodge and Webster County Memorial Day Ceremony will begin at 10 a.m. with live music from the Karl King Municipal Band. Visitors are encouraged to park at The Community Orchard on 2237 160th St. and take a free bus to Terry Moehnke Veterans Memorial Park due to limited venue parking.

Bettendorf Memorial Day Ceremony – 2 p.m.

Veterans Memorial Park, 1645 23rd St., Bettendorf.

The City of Bettendorf will host a ceremony at 2 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Park. The event will include multiple guest speakers, including U.S. Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks and Col. William Joe Parker.

Fleet Farm Salutes Taps Across America – 3 p.m.

Fleet Farm, 5858 Sunnybrook Drive, Sioux City.

A live bugler will perform at the Fleet Farm store in Sioux City at 3 p.m. on Memorial Day as part of the company’s nationwide tribute to fallen service members.

The Wall That Heals

Lewis Central High School, 3504 Harry Langdon Blvd., Council Bluffs.

Although it is not a single-day commemoration, The Wall That Heals, a three-quarter-scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, will be on display at Lewis Central High School from May 22 through May 25 and is open 24 hours a day.