Memorial Day, Monday, May 28 is fast approaching. Once again, the peninsula’s five parades are being organized by the Boothbay American Legion, Post 36.

We are honored this year to have Commander Drummond Boord, USN/Ret (SEAL) as the parades Grand Marshal. CDR Boord was commissioned as a Navy Ensign in 1997 and straight to SEAL training, earning his Trident in 1998. His career included multiple tours of duty with various SEAL teams including having Command of SEAL Te8.

Led by CDR Boord, the parades kick off in Newagen with the “march off” at 8:30 a.m. with the Memorial Day commentary given by Rev. Rico at the Southport Memorial Library. The next “march off” is at 9 a.m. at the Southport Memorial across from the Southport General Store, with Gerry Gamage presiding.

This is followed by the “march off” at 9:45 a.m. in the area of the Boothbay Harbor Town Hall and the Commentary by the Rev. Sarah Folger at the Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library, McKown Street facing side, at the flag pole next to the used book store. The parade proceeds from there to the Whale Park on Commercial Street with the Commentary by Father Murphy and Wreath Spray into the harbor.

The parade participants then proceed to Boothbay Common for a short parade starting at about 10:30 a.m. to the memorial with commentary by Al Roberts.

The last parade commences in the area of the East Boothbay General Store with the “march off” at 11 a.m, and the commentary at the memorial by Rev. Maria Hoecker on Route 96 next to the bridge by the post office.

A parade isn’t a parade without our high school and community bands. The U.S. Marines from the Marine Reserve Unit in Brunswick will be providing the firing squad with our U. S. Coast Guard station sailors providing the Color Guard.

Participating in the parade this year will be members of our areas Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts and Cub 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 participating.

There will be a breakfast for the Marine Firing Squad, the USCG Color Guard,, and their guests at the Legion Hall on Industrial Park Road, Boothbay, at 0730.

Call-off time in case of inclement weather is 7:30 Monday morning. I have it on good authority that again 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 a.m.: USMC and USCG assemble at Post #36 Hall for breakfast

8:25 a.m.: Parade assembles at Newagen, march off promptly at 0830

9 a.m.: W. Southport - Parade “march off”

9:45 a.m.: Boothbay Harbor – Parade “march off” and follow-on to Whale Park

10:30 a.m.: Boothbay Common – Parade “march off”

11 a.m.: 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.