ROCKPORT — For two pandemic years, Rockport forewent its annual Memorial Day ceremony and parade, but that changed in 2022. Once again, the community gathered on the Goose River Bridge and at Amsbury Hill Cemetery to honor those who served their country.

War  Memorial Post 30 directed a series of ceremonies in Camden, Lincolnville and Rockport, organizing the Color Guard, with familiar faces of local veterans who have served in various wars. Alongside them, marched the Camden Hills Regional High School Marching Band, the firefighters, police, and the Lincolnville Town Band.

The Reverend Dave Franclemont, District 6 Chaplain of War Memorial Post 30, delivered the addresses and lead the prayers, first at Memorial Park in Rockport Village, then on the Goose River Bridge, where veterans tossed a wreath over the side of the bridge into the river and Rockport Harbor. The wreath drifted slowly on the current out to sea, as Rev. Franclemont spoke, and the Color Guard delivered a rifle volley.

With his invocation, Rev. Franclement said: “With this wreath, we remember with humble gratitude those who gave their lives for their country, for freedom, justice and liberty on land, in the air and on the sea.

“May we never forget the value of their sacrifice, nor the nobility of courage, nor the tenacity of endurance, which have purchased for us peace, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

“We give you thanks for their memory and good example, their courage and devotion. We commend to your gracious care and keeping all women and men of our armed forces at home and abroad. Defend them by day by day with your heavenly grace; give them courage to face the perils which beset them; and grant them a sense of your abiding presence wherever they may be.”