RUMFORD — Members of Napoleon Ouellette Post 24 American Legion will observe Memorial Day with a parade and ceremonies at the Rotary Memorial Green in Rumford and at the Memorial Green in Mexico on Monday.
Dixfield’s American Legion Riders will also participate in the parade, which starts at 10 a.m., rain or shine.
“Americans pay tribute on Memorial Day to those who fell in battle defending our country,” said Kirk Thurston. “The observance had its beginnings following the Civil War when Southerners marked the graves of those of us who died fighting for the Confederacy. On this day, we honor all of America’s war dead, those who died that freedom might live.”
Members of Post 24 will salute their fallen comrades and ask that all River Valley residents pause to remember America’s fallen sons and daughters on Memorial Day. The American Legion is calling all area veterans to participate in this year’s parade.
“You do not need to be a member of the American Legion or the VFW to participate; being a veteran qualifies you,” said Thurston.
Rides will be provided if people are unable or do not want to walk the parade route. The Legion is also seeking military vehicles for the parade.
The parade route starts at the American Legion parking lot across from Rite Aid, proceeds right onto Portland Street across the Memorial Bridge to the Rotary Green. From there, down Rumford Avenue, left onto Waldo Street, right onto Lincoln Avenue and through Mexico to the Memorial Green.
Immediately following the parade, Post 24 will host an open house with refreshments for children participants of the parade.
For adult parade participants, the VFW post on Waldo Street will have refreshments as well.
Any group or individuals interested in participating are asked to call Tom Buotte at 357-7110, Thurston at 357-3287, or leave a message at the Legion at 369-9053.
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