Memorial Day in Maine

Memorial Day in Maine

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Many of us think of Memorial Day as little more than a 3-day weekend ushering in the summer months and tourist season, but to the members of our nation's Armed Forces, Memorial Day signifies a somber reminder and salute to those who have died in service to our country.

Formerly known as Decoration Day, Memorial Day was originally designed to honor those fallen soldiers of the Civil War by decorating their graves with flags and flowers. On May 30, 1868, General John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic proclaimed:

"The 30th of May, 1868, is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers, or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village, and hamlet churchyard in the land. In this observance no form of ceremony is prescribed, but posts and comrades will in their own way arrange such fitting services and testimonials of respect as circumstances may permit."

In 1966, Waterloo, New York was declared the official birthplace of Memorial Day, as it had made an annual observance of the day by closing down businesses and decorating the graves of soldiers. In 1971, Memorial Day became a national holiday, established by Congress to be celebrated on the last Monday in May.

For several years our nation became a bit complacent about the meaning of Memorial Day. It became a day of parades, barbeques and family parties. But the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 forced us all to re-evaluate what our nation's military means to us and how they should be honored for their sacrifice.

Memorial Day Activities around Maine

Brunswick/Topsham:

Every year in Brunswick, Maine, heartfelt ceremonies and a celebratory parade mark the observance of Memorial Day. Mainers and visitors from all over the midcoast region flock to Topsham, the town just across the Androscoggin River from Brunswick.

The Brunswick-Topsham Memorial Day Parade will honor Vietnam War veterans, with a mention of two P-3 Orion crews from Brunswick Naval Air Station lost in the war. The parade begins at Monument Place in Topsham - a new starting point - after a 9 a.m. ceremony, said parade chairwoman Mary Jewell.

Marchers will head down Main Street, stop at the Frank J. Wood Bridge for a short ceremony and continue onto Maine Street in Brunswick to the gazebo on the Mall. The gazebo will be the site of a number of speeches and musical performances.

For information about float entries, the essay contest, or honored guests of the Brunswick-Topsham Memorial Day Parade, click here.

Portland

The Portland Memorial Day Parade will take place on Memorial Day at 10:30 hours (10:30 AM EST), from the assembly area, vicinity of Longfellow Square, along Congress Street, east to Monument Square where the Ceremonies will take place.

For more information, contact Portland Memorial Day Committee.

Bath

The Bath Memorial Day parade will assemble at in the American Legion Post 21 parking lot at 10 a.m. Marchers will depart precisely at 10:30 a.m., turning right onto Congress Avenue to Lincoln Street.

A group that calls itself "The Old Soldiers Club" will host the fourth annual Memorial Day commemoration of the soldiers who died in Iraq and Afghanistan during the past year. Each of the more than 800 names of fallen personnel from every service will be read by a long list of volunteers. The event is called "We Remember." This year, it begins at 2 p.m. in City Park, adjacent to Patten Free Library.

Freeport

The town's Memorial Day observances will begin with a parade starting at 9:30 a.m. from Freeport High School. The route will wind along Holbrook Street and Main Street before ending at the town park on Bow Street for a 10 a.m. service.

Richmond

The town's parade is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. on Memorial Day in front of the Richmond Business and Manufacturing Center. Marchers will head down Main Street to Fort Richmond Park.

A ceremony after the parade will include wreath-laying and a wreath being put in the Kennebec River in memory of those who lost their lives at sea. The guest speaker at the event will be Sgt. Maj. Gregory Small, command sergeant of the National Guard for Maine.