ROCKPORT — Drizzle stopped and clouds lifted slightly just at 11 a.m. in Rockport, when the Honor Guard stepped out, leading the annual Memorial Day Parade in Rockport Village.

It is a time honored tradition that begins on Union Street, at the Post Office, and this year included American Legion Post 30 Honor Guard, veterans, the Camden Hills Regional High School Marching Band, Rockport, Camden and Hope fire departments, the Lincolnville Band, and North East Mobile Health Services.

The Rockport parade is part of a larger daylong commitment of many of the participants who rise early, and begin the remembrance ceremonies first in Camden, at the Harbor, for prayer, a speech, wreath laying, rifle volley and taps. The Camden parade heads to various points in Camden for ceremonies, ending at the Mountain View Cemetery.

Then, the participants travel to Rockport, where they resume parade formation with the first stop at the Rockport War Memorial for a prayer, wreath laying, and taps.

The parade winds down Central Street, stopping on the Goose River Bridge, where members of the American Legion Post 30 toss a wreath down into the waters of the Goose River, which flows into Rockport Harbor, and then out into Penobscot Bay. That is followed by another rifle salute and taps, before the parade walks up to the hill to the Amsbury Hill Cemetery for final words, a rifle volley and taps.

Memorial Day in Maine is a quiet yet collective observance to honor men and women who lost their lives defending America since the Revolutionary War.

It is also a time of reflection for families, neighbors and friends who hold the communities together over centuries, and maintain strong support networks in times of peace or conflict.

In years past, it was Rev. Ralph Miller, of Rockport, who spoke eloquently about history, and legacy of Memorial Day. Rev. Miller died in September 2023 and this year, it was Stephanie McLain, U.S. Army Retired Veteran and now War Memorial, Post 30 Chaplain, who gave remarks at Amsbury Hill Cemetery.

She is assuming the post being vacated by Reverend Dave Franclemont, who is now the current Post 30 Commander.

Stephanie McLain read the following poem written by Rev. Franclemont:

Amesbury Cemetery Prayer

Dear Lord, we remember before you with humble gratitude those who gave their lives for the freedom we enjoy.

We give you thanks in their memory and good example, their courage and devotion.

Look mercifully, we ask, upon the unrest in the world.  Draw all people to yourself and to one another in the bonds of peace. 

Grant understanding to the nations that they might be united in a compassionate community where there is justice and mercy, truth, and freedom. 

We commend to your gracious care and keeping all women and men of our armed forces at home and abroad. 

Defend them 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. 

AMEN