It could not be a more perfect day. Monday, May 29, in Lincolnville. Sunny, not too hot, and with a bit of a breeze. My wife and I were temporarily childless. Our eldest was with the Camden Hills Regional High School Band, marching in the Camden and Rockport parades. Our younger boys were at Lincolnville Central School, participating in the drama club, which was set to finish at the same time as the parade would start lining up in the LCS parking lot. 

We parked by Breezemere Park and made our way up Main Street to our friend’s Center home, where we had texted the boys to meet us. Walking up the street we met so many friends and neighbors, bedecked in red, white, and blue, and waving flags.

Memorial Day in a small town.

The yard of our friend’s home was full of children, at that wonderful age where they aren’t quite fully sullen adolescents, but old enough to not need much minding. Remember 11, 12, 13? I do, and it was a good age….

The parade. Led by Rosie Gerry and the Color Guard, and the contingent of local veterans. The CHRHS band — no longer in the itchy red sweaters and khaki pants of my youth, but in smart black shirts and shorts. We made sure to cheer extra loud for a certain young (and mortified) clarinetist.

And the antique cars — always an expected part of a small town parade — did not disappoint. I love to see those gleaming old automobiles, getting their time to be admired… 

The Lincolnville Fire Dept. was also there, of course, fire trucks every bit as gleaming and well-polished as the old cars, driven by our volunteer fire-folk, with their children along for the ride.

At Veteran’s Park we gathered, the color guard flanking the names of so many townspeople who served. Chaplain Dave Franclemont offered a prayer, the Pledge was recited, and Vietnam Veteran Steve Beveridge spoke.

Now, I have sat through dozens of Memorial Day speeches. Generally they are lovely, and hit all the right notes. But Mr. Beveridge brought many of us to tears. Speaking of the bravery and patriotism of those who served, but also the courage and conviction of Conscientious Objectors. Of the importance of the V.A., and need to take care of our service people when they come home. Of the injuries that are not so easy to see, are not always recognized, and keep the war going for those who came home years before…

And on to the Beach, where a wreath was laid where Frohock Brook meets the Atlantic, in honor of those lost at sea. Rosie Gerry played taps on a bugle — that guy is full of surprises.

And so, the summer of 2023 has begun. Enjoy it, and appreciate it.