Honoring the Fallen: Memorial Day Events in Maine

Memorial Day in the United States is a federal holiday observed on the last Monday of May. It honors 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. Memorial day is a day spent together as a family for ours. We enjoy cookouts at home, local Parades and memorials. It's a time to teach kids about the brave men and women who fought for our country.

Memorial Day is typically marked by various events and traditions across the country. Lots of Maine towns have military tributes, parades and memorial services. Take a look and see if you can find some events near your town to enjoy with your family. Make sure to share our blog post with friends so they can also take part in memorial day events!

All of the following events are being held on Monday, May 27th, Memorial day.

Wells

The Wells Memorial Day Parade will kick off at 9:00 AM. The parade will march from Wells High School, down Sanford Road, to Ocean View Cemetery where a ceremony will take place. During the ceremony, we will honor the graves of brothers Elbridge and Leroy Hanson, Co. I, 3rd Battalion, 39th Regiment, 4th Division, KIA, Meuse-Argonne Offensive, France October 1918. Musical performances by Atlantic Harmonies and the Wells Ogunquit School Jr/Sr High will take place.

Lyman

The Lyman Memorial Day Parade will kick off at 1pm. Parade starts at Waterhouse RD/Mill Pond in Goodwins Mills and will end at Lyman Town Hall on South waterboro Rd. The Parade will stop at the monument on John Street for the annual Memorial Service. The service includes patriotic music, and invocation and benediction by local clergy. The Boy Scouts will do readings, the placing of a wreath in remembrance of our fallen heroes.

All members of the public are welcome to join in the special tribute to our veterans.

The Goodwins Mills Fire Department, The Lyman Historical Society, MHS ROTC, MHS Band, Sport Teams, antique cars, and fire trucks and more will be attending.

Kids who want to decorate their bikes and ride in the parade are welcome.

Anyone interested in participating in the parade please email parksandrec@lyman-me.gov

Kennebunkport

The Kennebunkport Memorial Day Parade will kick off at 9:30am . A 21 Gun Salutes will start at 7:30 am at the Cape Porpoise Memorial on Mill RD/Pier Road and continue to Arundel Cemetery, S4 Terry Downs Memorial and North Street Cemetery.

Yarmouth

The Yarmouth Memorial Day Parade will kick off at 10am at Yarmouth High School and end at Yarmouth Town Hall.

Portland

Memorial Day Procession & Commemoration in Deering Center, starts at 2pm on Stevens Avenue.

A ceremony to honor American service men and women who have died while on active duty.

The Procession starts in front of Longfellow Elementary, through Deering Center, and into Evergreen Cemetery for the Commemoration. The parade will feature Veterans, VFW and American Legion Honor Guards, Riderless Horse, Claddagh Mhor Pipe Pand, Laying the Wreath, Volley Salute, and Taps.

Gorham

The Gorham’s Recreational Parade will step off at 11:00am at Village School and end at Eastern Cemetery on Johnson Road. Anyone can be a part of the parade! It is free to walk and lineup starts at 10am. 

Gray

The Gray Post 86 American Legion parade kicks off at 11:30am from The Russell School. The parade proceeds on to Shaker Road to the Civil War Monument located at the Intersection of Shaker Road and Main Street for a Wreath Laying Ceremony. After the Wreath Laying Ceremony, the Parade will continue to its conclusion at American Legion Post 86, 15 Lewiston Road. 

Following the Parade there will be a ceremony at about 12:20 with remarks by the Post Commander and Town Manager, Michael Foley. Food and refreshments will be served after the ceremony. 

Old Orchard Beach 

The Old Orchard Beach Memorial Day Parade will be at 1 p.m.   The parade route is down Saco Avenue to Old Orchard Street, turning right on Old Orchard Street, and right onto First Street and into Memorial Park for a ceremony.

As we enjoy our time with family and friends, let's also pause to pay tribute to the brave men and women who gave their lives defending our freedoms. Their selflessness and courage deserve our deepest gratitude and respect.

So whether you're attending a ceremony, visiting a memorial, or simply taking a moment of silence, we hope you have a meaningful Memorial Day. Let's honor the fallen, cherish the memories, and strive to uphold the values they fought to protect.

Have a safe and reflective Memorial Day.

-Kaylin & Melissa