On Memorial Day, American Legion Post 30 and its community neighbors will honor the men and women who have lost their lives defending America since the Revolutionary War.

“The American Legion will lead our communities in remembering those who gave their lives in service to our country,” said Jeff Sukeforth, Legion Post 30 Adjutant, in a news release. “Our Gold Star families carry the weight and pain of these losses every day of the year. An empty seat at dinner, a missing face during the holidays, a child’s first birthday without one or both parents. When we speak of sacrifice we not only talking about those killed in the line of duty, but also of the families whose loved ones are suddenly no longer there and are left behind. For them Memorial Day is not just the end of a 3-day weekend, but a somber moment for everyone to reflect on the steep price paid for our freedoms.”

Memorial Day, originally known as Decoration Day, originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971. Many Americans observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries or memorials, holding family gatherings and participating in parades. Unofficially, it marks the beginning of the summer season. The Veterans Affairs Public Affairs Office shows there have been a total of 651,931 battle deaths in all wars from the American Revolution to Desert Shield/Desert Storm, according to Sukeforth.

There are close to 600 of those men and women laying at eternal rest in either Mountain View or Oak Hill Cemeteries. The goal of the Legion is to ensure that every grave the Legion is aware of has a U.S. Flag.

Why is this important? Because on May 27, Memorial Day, Post 30 will honor these men and women with ceremonies and parade events in Camden, Rockport and Lincolnville.

If you wish to attend any of the ceremonies, plan accordingly to be present for the ceremony.

Post 30 invites all Veterans to join with the post in marching in the parades and celebrating the remembrance of their brother and sister comrades in arms. If you are a Veteran who wishes to participate, but cannot walk, call Sukeforth, who will arrange a ride in the parade.

Due to the solemnity of the day no political activities of any kind will be allowed in the parades. If anyone has questions about the parade they may call Sukeforth at 691-2270.

Should it rain, the parade would be cancelled, however, a short program will be held at the American Legion Post, 91 Pearl Street at noon. Everyone is invited to join the legion for this program.

Flags have been placed on Veterans graves at Mountain View and Oak Hill Cemeteries. Should a grave be missed, Sukeforth would appreciate a call so a proper marker and flag can be placed on the grave.

Memorial Day stops are as follows and all times are approximate:

Camden ceremonies - Staging area for Camden Parade is Union Street

9:00am Public Landing/Harbor; Prayer, Speech, Wreath laying, National Anthem, Rifle Volley, TAPS
9:30am Parade steps off
9:35am Conway Boulder; Wreath laying, TAPS
9:40am Village Green War Memorial; Wreath laying, Rifle Volley, TAPS.
9:50am Civil War & Spanish American War Memorial; Wreath laying, TAPS.
10:00am Mountain View Cemetery; Form at flagpole, Prayer, Speech, Wreath laying, Rifle Volley, TAPS.

Rockport ceremonies – Staging area begins in front of Post Office and moves back toward Graffam Seafood Market

11:00am Parade steps off
11:05am Rockport War Memorial; Prayer, Wreath laying, TAPS.
11:15am Rockport bridge; Prayer, Wreath laying, Rifle Volley, TAPS.
11:30am Amesbury Cemetery; Prayer, Wreath laying, Rifle Volley, TAPS.

Lincolnville ceremonies – Staging area is Lincolnville Central School

1:00pm Parade steps off
1:15pm Veterans Park; Prayer, Speech, Wreath laying, Rifle Volley, TAPS.
1:45pm Lincolnville Beach/Frohock Bridge; Prayer, Wreath laying, Rifle Volley, TAPS.