Memorial Day, May 30, is fast approaching. Once again, the peninsula’s six parades are being organized by the Boothbay American Legion, Post 36. This year we are extremely fortunate to have as our Grand Marshal, Commanding Officer Kelly Craft , the commanding officer of PCU Carl M. Levin (DDG 120), the newest Destroyer being built by Bath Iron Works. More about Cdr. Craft is found elsewhere in this Register edition.

This year, we have attempted to make the parade start time more realistic to prevent long wait times. As in the past, the parades kick off at Cape Newagen with the “march off” at 8:30 a.m. with the Memorial Day Commentary given by Pastor Richard Rego at the Southport Library. The next “march off” is at 9:15 at the Southport Memorial across from the Southport General Store, Gerald Gamage will be presiding. This is followed by the “march off” at 10:35 in the area of the Boothbay Harbor Town Hall with commentary by the Reverend Todd Weir in front of the library flag pole The parade proceeds from there to Whale Park with Deacon Bob Curtis speaking and Wreath Spray into the harbor. The parade participants then proceed to Boothbay Common and a short parade starting at about 11:15 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 11:45 and the commentary at the memorial by Post 36 chaplain Al Sirois. Following the parade, the Legion Auxiliary will be providing lunch for the parade participants and their families.

This year Legion members, and any others who like to participate, will assemble at the memorial located behind the Edgecomb Town Hall at 2 p.m. Joel Morley will provide the remarks.

The Community Band will once again provide drummers to keep the marchers in step and the band will be providing the moving music tribute and taps. The U.S. Marines from the Marine Reserve unit in Brunswick will be providing the firing detail with our USCG station sailors providing the Color Guard. Doug Gimbel will be leading the singing of the national anthem. Boothbay Region High School will be participating this year with a banner on a van honoring the graduates of BRHS who have fallen in service to our country. Also participating will be our area's Girl Scouts and 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 honoring of our fallen brothers and sisters. You can join the parade at any of the locations or for the whole parade. For those unable to march, the trolley, once again, will be participating. The trolley will depart the Legion Hall about 7:45 a.m. and proceed to Newagen. The trolley will also stop going into the Harbor at St. Andrews Village to pick up veterans.

There will be a breakfast for the Marine Firing Squad, the USCG Color Guard, and their guests at the Legion Hall in the Industrial Park at 7:15 a.m.

The veterans will be marching rain or shine. The band and other participants will make their decision to participate independently.

Summary, times approximate:

8:15: Parade assemble at Newagen, march off promptly at 8:30

9:15: West Southport - Parade “march off”

10:35: Boothbay Harbor – Parade “march off” and follow-on to Whale Park

11:15: Boothbay Common – Parade “march off”

11:45: 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.