Hundreds attend New Gloucester parade and ceremony

NEW GLOUCESTER — Undaunted by gray skies and cool weather, hundreds Monday lined the Memorial Day parade route from Memorial School to the Veterans Monument at Route 100 for a solemn ceremony of remembrance.

The parade brought Boy Scouts, politicians, political parties and political candidates together with a cheerleading group, pets, a tractor, a horse and rider and an electric bicycle.

The Gray-New Gloucester High School and Middle School bands played patriotic offerings, concluding with the playing of taps.

State Rep. Ellie Espling of New Gloucester remembered those who sacrificed their lives for “protecting our freedom.”

“May we remember the fallen and (their) ideals so their sacrifice was not in vain,” Espling said.

State Sen. Eric Brakey of Auburn noted that American troops have been at war in Afghanistan for 17 years.

“Maine has one of the highest percentage of veterans in the United States,” he said.

The event attracted many political signs from candidates seeking elected office in Maine.

Joel Fraser of Minot joined the parade in his motorized wheelchair.

“I’ve been a 40-year member of AMVET Post 6 and proud to be here today,” he said.

The 15th Alabama Co. G Civil War reenactment group joined the parade and fired volleys of fire from their muskets.

Gwen Jordan and Sue Burrows, both Gold Star Mothers, laid a wreath at the Veterans Monument, accompanied by AMVET Post 6 member William Kiley.

Joel Fraser of Minot, a 40-year member of AMVET Post 6 of New Gloucester, marches in the annual Memorial Day parade. (Ellie Fellers/Sun Journal)

The Gray-New Gloucester Diamonds Cheering team matches in the Memorial Day parade in New Gloucester. (Ellie Fellers/Sun Journal)

Boy Scout Troop 135 marching in the annual Memorial Day parade. (Ellie Fellers/Sun Journal)

15th Alabama Company G at the New Gloucester Memorial Day parade. (Ellie Fellers/Sun Journal)

Musket discharge by 15th Alabama Company G at the New Gloucester Memorial Day parade. (Ellie Fellers/Sun Journal)

From left, Hunter Boulay, age 4, with Dakora Davis, 1, and Savannah Boulay, 8, at the Memorial Day parade in New Gloucester. (Ellie Fellers/Sun Journal)