Memorial Day, Monday, May 29 is fast approaching. We are dedicating this year’s parade to our Korean War veterans. Once again, the peninsula’s five parades are being organized by the Boothbay American Legion, Post 36.

As in the past, the parades kick off in Newagan with the “march off” at 8:30 a.m. and the Memorial Day Commentary given by Gerald Gamage at the Southport Library. The next “march off” is at 9 at the Southport Memorial across from the Southport General Store, again with Gerry presiding. This is followed by the “march off” at 9:45 in the area of the Boothbay Harbor Town Hall and the Commentary by the Rev. Sarah Folger in front of the library flag pole next to the used book store. The parade proceeds from there to Whale Park with the Commentary by Fr. Murphy and Wreath Spray ceremony into the harbor. The parade participants then proceed to Boothbay Common and a short parade starting at about 10:30 to the memorial and commentary by Al Roberts. The last parade commences in the area of the East Boothbay General Store with the “march off” at 11 and the Commentary at the memorial by Al Roberts on Route 96 next to the bridge by the post office.

A parade isn’t a parade without our High School and Community Band. The U.S. Marines from the Marine Reserve unit in Brunswick will be providing the firing squad with our USCG station sailors providing the Color Guard. Participating in the parade this year will be members of our fire departments and our area Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts.

All veterans are invited to join the parade, with the veteran detachment once again being led by USMC Barry Sherman. Please join us in honor of our brothers and sisters. For those unable to march, the trolley, once again, will be available.

There will be a breakfast for the Marine Firing Squad, the USCG Color Guard, the Boothbay Fire Department Color Guard, and their guests at the Legion Hall in the Industrial Park at 7:30 a.m.

Call-off time in case of inclement weather is 7:30 Monday morning. I have it on good authority that this year, the veterans will be marching rain or shine. The band and other participants will make their decision to participate independently.

In addition to participation in the formal services, the Legion (through its volunteers) has taken the responsibility for decorating all known veterans’ graves with flags. Unfortunately, some graves may be missed because of moved or missing markers. Those aware of any graves that need decorating should contact Legionnaires Dave Patch at 751-5672 or Barry Sherman at 633-4387.

Summary, times approximate:

7:30: USMC and USCG assemble at Post Hall for breakfast

8:25: Parade assemble at Newagen, march off promptly at 8:30

9:00: W. Southport, Parade “march off”

9:45: Boothbay Harbor, Parade “march off” and follow-on to Whale Park

10:30: Boothbay Common, Parade “march off”

11:00: East Boothbay, Parade “march off”

All individuals and businesses are encouraged to fly their flags for the Memorial Day Weekend. Remember, the flags are to be at half-mast until noon on Monday.