Monday, May 26, marks this year's Memorial Day observance, a national holiday to honor the men and women who have died while serving in the U.S. military.

Originally known as Decoration Day, it originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971.

U.S. and Maine flags at state facilities statewide should be flown at half-staff from sunrise until noon on Monday, May 26, in observance of Memorial Day.

Following is a round-up of parades and ceremonies being held Monday. If your community's event is not listed, send details to news@penbaypilot.com as this story will be updated throughout the weekend.

Appleton

10 a.m. — Miller Cemetery, Burketville
10:45 a.m. — Meet at Gushee's Corner; service begins at 11 a.m., Pine Grove Cemetery.

Belfast

8 a.m. — VFW Post 3108, American Legion Post 43 and AMVETS Post 6829 will hold a short service at the World War II memorial located beside the American Legion, then go to the VFW and hold another short service for the memorial located there.

10 a.m. — Parade, down Main Street to the waterfront for a final service, stopping at Grove Cemetery along the way.

Camden

8 a.m. — Color guard formation, American Legion Hall, 91 Pearl St.

9 a.m. — Wreath ceremony at the harbor with honor guard rifle salute, Camden Hills Regional High School band plays taps and Navy hymn, Camden Public Landing.

9:30 a.m. — Parade (participants line up at Seventh Day Adventist Church on Camden Street), travel north on Route 1 with stops for taps at the Conway Monument, Village Green and Harbor Park, and then continue to Mt. View Cemetery for a brief ceremony. All veterans are welcome to walk during the parade. To arrange for a ride in the parade, veterans can contact the post commander at 236-3310.

5 p.m. — Down East Singers' annual Memorial Day concert, Camden Opera House, 29 Elm St.

Lincolnville

1 p.m. — Parade, (gather in the former Dean and Eugley/School House Museum parking lot by 12:30 p.m. to be included in the line-up), from the new community library in the center to Lincolnville Central School for the ceremony. (FMI: Call Karen Secotte at 763-3555 or email lvnas@town.lincolnville.me.us)

2 p.m. — Parade, (gather in the Lincolnville Beach parking lot), to Frohock Bridge for the service to honor veterans lost at sea with color guards, a prayer and taps by Lincolnville Central School student Dawson Allen and ceremonial wreath placement. (In lieu of rain, arrangements have been made to have a memorial service to be held inside the LCS at 1 p.m. with the CHRHS and Lincolnville bands)

Monroe

7-9 a.m. — Breakfast at Monroe Community Church, Route 139.

11 a.m. — Parade from Monroe School to Gesner Park, Route 139, rain or shine.

Noon — Parade (gather near Webb's red barn at 11:30 a.m.), to Maple Grove Cemetery, ending at the veteran's memorial in the center of town for a ceremony.

Rockland

10:30 a.m. — Parade (participants assemble at Boston Financial at 9:30 a.m.), from Boston Financial parking lot, travel along Main Street stopping at Chapman Park for the ceremony and continuing to the intersection of routes 1 and 17. In addition to Master of Ceremonies Walker Hutchins and Marshal Rev. Linda Campbell, participating units include Maine State Police, Knox County Sheriff's Office and U.S. Coast Guard Color Guard color guards will join members of the U.S. Marine Corp, American Legion and Veterans of the Armed Services, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and the Bay Winds North Wind Ensemble. A fly over by the Owls Head Transportation Museum is slated to occur during the parade. All veterans, children on decorated bicycles and musicians are invited to join the parade.

Rockport

11 a.m. — Parade, from the post office in the village to Amesbury Cemetery, Pleasant Street. (FMI: Call Dave Berry at 975-0305 or email davidxbarry@msn.com)

Searsmont

9 a.m. — Parade (participants gather at 8 a.m. at the community center), beginning at Appleton Ridge Road/Community Center on Route 131, proceeding to the bridge and then a wreath laying at the memorial at New England Road with a flag-raising ceremony. The parade then will continue through the town along Route 131 to the post office.

Searsport

9 a.m. — Parade leaves Dan Rich Public Safety Building and proceeds to the Civil War Monument across from Penobscot Marine Museum. After a brief ceremony, the parade will proceed to Mosman Park for a memorial ceremony.

Stockton Springs

10:15 a.m. — Parade assembly

10:40 a.m. — Parade begins on Main Street, between Just Barb's and Harris Road, led by members of Stockton Springs American Legion Jerry W. Dobbins Post 157. All veterans are welcome to march.

11 a.m. — Program at Veterans Park, plus brief ceremony on Cape Jellison in memory of those lost at sea. Those who have a family member now in the military, call Lee Snyder, 567-3137, or palsnyder@aol.com to be included in Memorial Day program.

St. George

9:30 a.m. — Parade (gather at 8:30 a.m. at Tenants Harbor Baptist Church), travel through town, stopping for a wreath ceremony at the harbor and a ceremony in front of the American Legion.

Thomaston

9:30 a.m. — Sunday, May 25, recognition of military veterans, police officers, firefighters and first responders at the Federated Church, 8 Hyler St., during worship service. The public is welcome.

10 a.m. — Monday, May 26, American Legion Post 37 will conduct a ceremony at Main Street Mall, followed by a ceremony at Village Cemetery.

Warren

10:30 a.m. — Service, at the monument triangle on Main Street by the post office. The Rev. Andrew Stinson will lead a prayer, Girl Scouts will recite the Gettysburg Address and the Medomak Valley High School band and Warren Community School students will perform. The group will proceed to the bridge on Main Street and Scouts will place flowers in the water.

West Rockport

8 a.m. — Rockville Cemetery

8:30 a.m. — West Rockport Cemetery, led by Dr. David English and music by Camden Hills Regional High School band.

Editorial Director Holly S. Edwards can be reached by email at hollyedwards@penbaypilot.com or by calling 207-706-6655.