CAMDEN — The town of the Camden was the first of many stops for those marching in Memorial Day parades around the Midcoast Monday, beginning with a brief service at the public landing before winding through downtown with stops at the village green, Harbor Park and Mt. View Cemetery.

American Legion Post Adjutant Ray Lewis led the service at the public landing, which included prayers from the Rev. Richard Malo of St. Brendan the Navigator Parish in Camden, words from town historian Barbara Dyer, patriotic music by the Camden Hills Regional High School band, taps by Chandler Crans and Aaron Nolan, a rifle salute by the color guard and a wreath laid into the harbor.

After boarding buses and vans, the group re-assembled at the Camden and Rockport town line and began marching into downtown, where residents and visitors awaited their arrival with cheers and salutes.

Numerous community groups were represented, along with veterans who rode in antique automobiles, while the high school band and the Lincolnville Band played patriotic music through until the parade ended at Mt. View Cemetery.

The parade stopped at the Conway Memorial on Union Street, where a wreath was laid at the famous boulder monument, as well as wreath-laying stops at the Honor Roll in the village green and the war monument at the entrance to Harbor Park. Camden’s Memorial Day celebration came to a conclusion at Mt. View Cemetery, where the graves of the veterans had been decorated with American flags and another ceremony and service was held.

View more photos in a gallery here.

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