Quincy Flag Day Parade Returns June 13: 75th Anniversary Celebration with Fireworks
"Quincy Flag Day Parade and Fireworks Set for June 13thMayor Thomas P. Koch and the City of Quincy are proud to announce the nation’s longest-running Flag Day Parade will take place on Saturday, June 13th. This year’s parade will step off at 7:00 PM at the corner of Hancock Street and Coddington Street in Quincy Center and head north along Hancock Street, turning onto Merrymount Parkway and wrap-up at Vietnam Veterans Drive and Adams Field. A flag-raising ceremony and musical performance at Pageant Field will follow the completion of the parade. The night will culminate with fireworks over Black’s Creek at approximately 9:00 PMThis year’s parade will feature floats celebrating America 250, specialty units, public safety and veterans’ color guards, a fleet of classic cars, and more than 1,000 flag-waving youngsters. This year’s parade marks the 75th anniversary of the parade that carries on the tradition of the Koch Club. Adding to the parade excitement, former Richard J. and Simone N Koch Youth Service Award winners will return to join in this commemorative year.Bands performing include the Quincy/North Quincy Marching Band, Crusaders Senior Corp., North Star Alumni Drum and Bugle, 7th Regiment Drum and Bugle, Conn Hurricanes Drum and Bugle, Branches Steel Band, New Magnolia Jazz Band and the Conn Alumni Drum and Bugle.The Flag Day Parade was started by Richard (Dick) Koch Sr. in 1952 when he led a group of youngsters around Norfolk Downs and finished with a flag-raising at Cavanagh Stadium. The parade has grown significantly through the years and fireworks were added in the 1990s.“This event truly showcases the very best of our community, with local organizations, youth groups, families, and residents all coming together to celebrate and participate in the parade,” said Mayor Tom Koch. “It’s a cherished tradition and without question one of the most anticipated and joyful days of the year in Quincy.”At Pageant Field, the 50’ x 80’ flag will be raised over the crowd to the tune of “Grand Ol’ Flag.” A welcome ceremony will take place on the stage and the evening will commence with a spectacular fireworks show over Black’s Creek, sponsored by Quirk Auto.Added Mayor Koch, “We extend our sincere appreciation to Dan Quirk and Quirk Auto for their continued sponsorship of the fireworks display, which has become a signature highlight of this beloved event year after year. I encourage residents and visitors alike to join us for an evening of community spirit and patriotic pride as we commemorate America 250 here in Quincy.For more information, visit the Special Events Section and follow the City of Quincy on social media."
Quincy's History Keepers Named Grand Marshals of 2026 Flag Day Parade
"Quincy’s History Keepers Named Grand Marshals of 2026 Flag Day ParadeMayor Tom Koch and the Quincy Flag Day Parade Committee today announced that Quincy’s History Keepers will serve as the Grand Marshals of the 75th Annual Quincy Flag Day Parade on June 13th.As the nation celebrates the 250th anniversary of the United States this year, Quincy is recognizing the individuals and organizations dedicated to preserving the City’s unique place in American history. This year’s Grand Marshals represent the people who work each day to protect and interpret Quincy’s historic legacy, including members of the National Park Service, the Quincy Historical Society, the Granite Railway and Quarry Museum, Adams Presidential Center and the City of Quincy’s Historic Heritage Department. Their efforts help ensure that the stories and landmarks that shaped both Quincy and the nation continue to inspire future generations.“Quincy’s story is America’s story,” said Mayor Koch. “From the birth of two presidents to the generations of workers, veterans, and families who built this community, our History Keepers ensure that those stories are preserved and passed on to future generations. We are proud to honor the people who protect our City’s remarkable heritage.”Grand Marshals include:
Marianne Peak, Adams National Parks Superintendent
Quincy Historical Society’s Dr. Edward Fitzgerald, QHS Executive Director Emeritus, Alexandra Elliot, QHS Executive Director, James Edwards, QHS Board President
Granite Workers Museum’s Founder and President Alfred Bina and museum assistant Tom Bonomi
Adams Presidential Center Board Members Gen. Joseph F. Dunford, Jr USMC (ret), Katherine Craven, Chairwoman MA Board of Elementary and Secondary Education and Babson College CFO, Benjamin C. Adams, Vice Chairman, MA Historical Society Board, Danielle Allen, Harvard University Professor and Director, Joseph R. Clark, General Counsel, Liberty Strategic Capital, Rob Hale, CEO Granite Telecommunications, the Honorable Kerry Healey, MA Lt. Governor (2003-2007), Edward J. Keohane, Chairman Keohane Funeral Home, Erin Perkins, Assistant Superintendent Quincy Public Schools, Sam Slater, Director of Slater Foundation, Rob Waldron, Chairman Curriculum Associates and APC President Dr. Kurt Graham
City of Quincy’s Historic and Heritage Resources Director Robert Damon
The Flag Day Parade steps off at 7:00 PM on Coddington Street in Quincy Center. The parade proceeds north on Hancock Street before turning into Merrymount Park. The Grand Marshals will ride in the parade and then be recognized during the flag-raising ceremony at Pageant Field.This year’s recipients join an illustrious list of Quincy Flag Day Grand Marshals that includes General Joseph Dunford, Lt. Governor Karyn Polito, Patriots star Willie McGinest, General Ronald Rand, Quincy’s Vietnam Veterans, “Uncle” Sam Rounseville, General Francis McGinn, ALS Angel Fund President Richard Kennedy, retired Quincy Police Chief Paul Keenan, television anchor Sorboni Banerjee, meteorologist Ed Carroll, Olympic medalist Karen Cashman, Norfolk County Sheriff Patrick McDermott, Koch Club co-founder Simone Koch, two-time Grand Marshal Jake Comer, Quincy’s Blue Star Families, General James McConville, local philanthropist Dr. Al Yacubian, and many more.“Our community has always taken pride in honoring service — whether it is military service, public service, or service to our shared history,” added Mayor Koch. “The Flag Day Parade is one of Quincy’s greatest traditions, and this year we celebrate the people who help keep our history alive for residents and visitors alike.”Quincy’s Flag Day Parade is the longest-running Flag Day Parade in the nation. It was started by the late Richard J. Koch in 1952, when children from the Koch Club marched through Norfolk Downs before concluding with a flag-raising ceremony at Cavanagh Stadium."
Historic Tall Ship Oosterschelde Visits Quincy; Maritime Festival July 3-5
"Quincy Celebrates America 250 with Summer Maritime Festival and Historic Tall Ship VisitMayor Tom Koch and the City of Quincy proudly invite residents and visitors alike to celebrate Quincy’s rich maritime heritage in honor of America’s 250th anniversary with two signature waterfront events this summer at Marina Bay: the Quincy Maritime Festival, July 3–5, and a special visit by the internationally renowned tall ship Oosterschelde on July 17 and 18.Held along the Marina Bay Boardwalk, the Quincy Maritime Festival returns as a free, family-friendly Independence Day weekend celebration showcasing the City’s deep connection to the sea, shipbuilding, and coastal traditions. The three-day festival will feature live entertainment, historic reenactments, children’s parades, maritime activities, and waterfront attractions for all ages.Later in July, Quincy will welcome the historic Dutch tall ship Oosterschelde to Safe Harbor Marina Bay as part of the City’s ongoing America 250 commemorations. The Oosterschelde, one of the world’s finest restored sailing vessels, will make a ceremonial arrival on Thursday, July 16, escorted into Marina Bay by the Quincy Police Marine Unit. Public deck tours aboard the historic vessel will be offered on Friday, July 17, Saturday, July 18, and Sunday, July 19, giving residents and visitors a rare opportunity to step aboard a living piece of maritime history and experience one of the last authentic tall ships of its kind still sailing today.“From our shipbuilding legacy to our historic coastline, maritime history is woven into the fabric of our City,” shared Mayor Koch. “As we celebrate America 250, these events give us an opportunity to honor that heritage, welcome visitors to our waterfront, and bring our community together in celebration of Quincy’s enduring legacy and future.”With free admission and free parking, the Quincy Maritime Festival and Oosterschelde Tall Ship visit offer something for everyone — from history enthusiasts and food lovers to young families and music fans. Visitors are encouraged to explore and support the Marina Bay Boardwalk’s vibrant local businesses throughout the festivities, including its waterfront restaurants, breweries and shops.For more information and event details, visit the Special Events Section and follow the City of Quincy on social media."
