Since the founding of the United States, it is estimated that 558 million Americans and immigrants have lived in this country. More than 1.1 million of them have died defending the United States in wars and combat actions since the American Revolution. They each have stories to tell. The crosses at Normandy. The graves at Arlington. The markers at Punchbowl. The fallen heroes who rest in places unknown.

We are here for them. We do not forget. We are here for the 2,341 American servicemembers who lost their lives during the attack on Pearl Harbor 85 years ago.

We are here for the 3,100 combat deaths and thousands more who succumbed to the elements at Korea’s “frozen” Chosin Reservoir.

We are here for the men and women who continue to lose their lives during operations in the Middle East.

From Bunker Hill to Baghdad, Americans from communities, just like ours throughout the United States have answered their nation’s call and made the ultimate sacrifice.

To honor the legacy of the fallen, we should all commit to the freedom offered by the greatest nation on earth. A land where patriotism eclipses politics, where the American Flag is displayed proudly and frequently and where military veterans are society’s true celebrities.

We must NEVER forget the families of our fallen. Long after the battlefield guns have been silenced and the bombs stop exploding, the children of our fallen warriors will still be missing a parent. Spouses will be without their life partners. Parents will continue to grieve for their heroic sons and daughters that died way too early.

We need to be present for them, not just as members of The American Legion Family – but as American citizens. Nobody can replace these fallen heroes – especially in the eyes of their families.

There are many ways to honor the fallen. While we can still enjoy recreational activities over Memorial Day weekend, we take this moment – this special moment – to remember the price that was paid for us to enjoy our American way of life.

Remembering and honoring the legacies of those who didn’t make it back is the true meaning of Memorial Day.

A wide outpouring of support for Veterans and our lost comrades is expected in this year of celebration for USA 250. Our communities will come together on May 25 to remember our fallen heroes.

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

Camden ceremonies - Staging area for Camden Parade is Union Street

9am Public Landing/Harbor; Prayer, Speech, Wreath laying, National Anthem, Rifle Volley, TAPS

9:30am Parade steps off

9:30am Conway Boulder; Wreath laying, TAPS

9:35am Village Green War Memorial; Wreath laying, Rifle Volley, TAPS.

9:45am 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.

11:15 Rockport bridge; Prayer, Wreath laying, Rifle Volley, TAPS.

11:40am 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.