Memorial Day, May 31, Monday, 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, RADM HW Howard III, Commander Naval Special Warfare Command who has flown to Maine from his headquarters in Coronado, California. RADM Howard has command of over 10,000 members including 2,998 Sea, Air, Land operators, our Navy SEALS.

As in the past, the parades kick off in Newagen with the “march off” at 8:30 a.m. and the Memorial Day Commentary given by Pastor Richard Rego at the Southport Library. The next “march off” is at 9 at the Southport Memorial across from the Southport General Store, Gerald Gamage will be 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. Peter Ilgenfritz 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 Deacon Bob Curtis and Wreath Spray into the harbor. The parade participants then proceed to Boothbay Common and a short parade starting at about 10:30 to the memorial with Commentary by Al Roberts. Next the parade commences in the area of the East Boothbay General Store with the “march off” at 11 and the Commentary at the memorial by Pastor Daniel Bates on Route 96 across from Lobsterman's Wharf. The parade participants will then assemble at the Edgecomb Town Hall parking lot at approximately 1130. Joel Morley will provide the remarks at the memorial located on the Route 27 side of the Town Hall.

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. Participating in the Parade this year will be members of our areas USCG Auxiliary, 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 honor 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 0800 and proceed to Newagen. You can hop on the trolley at any stop.

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 0730.

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

Following the parade, all parade participants and their families are invited to the Hall for hot dogs and hamburger barbecue lunch. This will be a great opportunity to meet Admiral Howard!

Summary, times approximate:

0730: USMC and USCG assemble at Post Hall for breakfast

0815: Parade assemble at Newagen, march off promptly at 0830

0900: W Southport - Parade “march off”

0945: Boothbay Harbor – Parade “march off” and follow-on to Whale Park

1030: Boothbay Common – Parade “march off”

1100: East Boothbay – Parade “march off”

1130: Edgecomb- Assembly at Town Hall

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.