Memorial Day in Maine — this year on Monday, May 30 — is an occasion marked with solemnity and respect for those who have served the country, here and abroad, and for the communities that supported them. It is a day when citizens gather at harbors, bridges and cemeteries, and at monuments and in local parades to honor not just individuals, but the integrity of a legacy we share.
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 30, in observance of Memorial Day.
Here are the Memorial Day observances that we know of. Many towns have small observances, often in the morning, and at cemeteries. To add your event to this list, email news@penbaypilot.com, with details, and we will make sure it is included here.
Camden
War Memorial Post 30 is leading a series of remembrances in Camden, Lincolnville and Rockport. In Camden, the schedule follows:
9 a.m., Public Landing/Harbor; Prayer, Speech, Wreath laying, Rifle Volley, TAPS
9:30 a.m., Parade steps off from Norwood Avenue
9:35 a.m., Conway Boulder; Wreath laying, TAPS
9:40 a.m. Village Green War Memorial; Wreath laying, Taps
9:50 a.m. Civil War & Spanish American War Memorial; Wreath laying, Taps,
10 am., Mountain View Cemetery; Form at flagpole, Prayer, Speech, Wreath laying, Rifle Volley, TAPS
Lincolnville
War Memorial Post 30 is leading a series of remembrances in Camden, Lincolnville and Rockport. In Lincolnville, the schedule follows:
130 p.m., Parade steps off from Lincolnville Central School
1:40 p.m., Veterans Park; Prayer, Speech, Wreath laying, Rifle Volley, TAPS
2:10 p.m., Lincolnville Beach/Frohock Bridge; Prayer, Wreath laying, Rifle Volley, TAPS
St. George
The Masons in St. George are holding their traditional Pancake Breakfast Monday, May 30, from 7 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., and the Legion's Color Guard along with the Odd Fellows Color Guard will be marching, at 10 a.m., down to the Town Landing, throwing a wreath and firing a salute to commemorate the town’s deceased Veterans.
Rockland
American Legion Post No. 1 will hold its Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday, May 30, 9:45 a.m.The ceremony will be held in the shade of the giant flagpole of the Civil War Soldiers and Sailors Memorial on the corner of Park and Main Streets. Bay Winds North will begin the ceremony with lead in music at 0945 with welcoming remarks and the program to follow starting at 1000.
Rockport
War Memorial Post 30 is leading a series of remembrances in Camden, Lincolnville and Rockport. In Rockport, the schedule follows:
11 a.m., Parade steps off in front of Post Office
11:05 a.m., Rockport War Memorial; Prayer, Wreath laying, TAPS
11:15 a.m., Rockport bridge; Prayer, Wreath laying, Rifle Volley, TAPS
11:30 a.m., Amesbury Cemetery; Prayer, Wreath laying, Rifle Volley, TAPS
Warren
Warren's Memorial Day services for Monday, May 30, starts at 10 a.m., at monument by Warren Post Office. After brief service, parade to bottom of hill for another brief service