ROCKPORT — Memorial Day in Rockport is as constant as the town itself. The town of 3,200 has had its fair share of those who have served and died in revolutions and wars, and on Memorial Day, they are remembered with prayers, fire arm salutes, music and taps. A wreath is carefully and lovingly tossed over the Goose River Bridge into the river and harbor below, for all those who died at sea.

Just as constant as the lilacs and scent of salt air over Rockport Village, and Amsbury Hill Cemetery, is Reverend Ralph Miller, now 84, who annually leads the Rockport remembrance ceremony with his own words for a community he grew up in, and loves.

He rode this year in the Rockport police cruiser at the head of the parade. At the wheel was Officer Travis Ford, himself a longtime police officer, who knows Rockport well. Behind them came the Boy Scouts, carrying the American Legion banner, and the local Honor Guard, members of the War Memorial Post No. 30, based in Camden.

The first stop is at Memorial Park, across the street from the library, where Rockport’s war dead are memorialized at the Honor Roll, a stone monument bearing their names listed according to the conflicts in which they sacrificed their lives.

Then, with a command from the Honor Guard, the parade turned and marched down Central Street, past neighbors and friends, who clapped and encouraged them on with smiles. 

The uniformed Honor Guard members, who make a point of visiting as many parades as possible on Memorial Day — Camden and Lincolnville, and perhaps more — walk solemnly and with pride...Navy men and women, Air Force, Coast Guard, Army and Marines.

Many of them have seen conflict and carry memories of their fellow veterans in their hearts.

On the Goose River Bridge, Miller halted the parade and the Girl Scouts carried a wreath to the railing, overlooking the water.

“From this place that is our harbor, men and women have left to protect us and our freedom to live as a people,” said Miller, gazing out at Rockport Harbor and Penobscot Bay. “Their sacrifice reminds us that we are called to protect our time and place so that all who follow us may live in a free land, a free republic for all persons of every faith and race.”

There are smiles and laughter, of course, in the parade, with the Rockport Boat Club young sailors on their bikes, and the Rockport Garden Club ladies with their tools, all marching. Proud parents recorded their high school students who played their instruments with accomplishments as they winded down the road and over the bridge.

As the parade moved up the roads to Amsbury Hill Cemetery, a cool breeze settled over the grass and gravestones. Megunticook Mountain rose in the distance, fresh in its new spring  blanket of green.

Reverend Miller spoke near the Cross of the Unknown Dead. What follows is his Amsbury Hill Cemetery address, the final stop of the Memorial Day remembrances in Rockport.

I will lift my eyes to the hills. Where does my help come from? From God, who made all creation! Across this cemetery are the gravestones of so many who devoted themselves to defend and promote our town.

Here rest those who went forth to fight for our liberty.

This cross tells was that we come to recognize those unknown who gave their lives. Our relatives and citizens of Rockport are buried here. Some were farmers, who made woods become productive.

Others made vessels, some to carry lime from the harbor to build cities.

Some were ministers of Christ.

There were those who were coopers, some were teachers, some were officials of the town and state.

Flags and flowers are here to honor them.

Let us give thanks for those who helped make our town what it is today.

Reach Editorial Director Lynda Clancy at lyndaclancy@penbaypilot.com; 207-706-6657