RUMFORD — Military vehicles are being sought by Napoleon Ouellette American Legion Post 24 for its annual Memorial Day Parade on Monday, May 26.
The parade, which starts at 10 a.m., will travel to the Rotary Memorial Green in Rumford and the Veterans Memorial Green in Mexico. Ceremonies will be held at both places, Kirk Thurston, American Legion District 5 commander, said Wednesday in a news release.
“We are looking for any military vehicles to be in the parade,” he said. “Americans pay tribute on Memorial Day to those who fell in battle defending our country.”
The observance had its beginnings following the Civil War when Southerners marked the graves of those who died fighting for the Confederacy.
“On this day, we honor all of America’s war dead — those who died, that freedom might live,” Thurston said. “Members of American Legion Post 24 salute their fallen comrades and ask that all of the River Valley citizens pause to remember America’s fallen sons and daughters on this upcoming Memorial Day.”
The parade will begin at the American Legion parking lot across from Rite-Aid Pharmacy, proceed onto Portland Street across the Memorial Bridge over the Androscoggin River to the Rotary Green. From there, it travels down Rumford Avenue, left onto Waldo Street, right onto Lincoln Avenue and through Mexico on Route 2 to the Memorial Green in Mexico.
Thurston said the American Legion is calling all area veterans to participate in the parade. Rides will be provided if people are unable or do not want to walk the parade route, he said.
Immediately following the parade, Post 24 will host an open house, with refreshments for children participating in the parade. For adult parade participants, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post on Waldo Street will have refreshments, as well.
Any group or individuals interested in participating are asked to call Kirk Thurston at 369-0831 or leave a message at the Legion at 369-9053.
If it rains May 26, a brief ceremony will be held in the Rumford American Legion Hall.
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