Lisbon Memorial Day parade is ‘a time to remember’

LISBON — The town of Lisbon is celebrating Memorial Day with a parade on Monday, May 27, coordinated by American Legion Posts 158 and 66.

The parade will be between 9 and 11 a.m. It will begin in front of Lisbon High School and move along Route 196 towards Lisbon’s down town area, turning up Main Street, turning left onto School Street and then right onto Addison Street ending behind the MTM Center on the field.

“Once again, it’s time to put everything down and remember, pay respect to, and celebrate those members of our country who sacrificed everything so that we might have a better life,” said a news release from Post 158.
This year’s parade, like all of those prior, won’t just be about one group of people nor will it be about having a day off work, the release said. The parade will consist of military vehicles, police and firetrucks, the Legion Riders, some war era veterans, local scouts and Maine members of Congress. In addition, all youth groups, churches and any other local organization have been invited to participate in the event. Upon reaching the MTM, the parade will culminate with a guest speaker at the gazebo stage behind the MTM, with a Gold Star military family presen
Many veterans (police, fire, emergency medical and military) will be on hand to answer questions after the completion of the parade and ceremony.

“Just watching this parade and spending five minutes talking to one of these people would be a great way to spend the day, because we cannot speak to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for us,” said organizers. “Police officers, firefighters, soldiers, Marines, airmen, seamen, and medical technicians around the country are injured every day because they consistently put themselves between you and danger. Coming out to see and talk to these folks would the best way anyone could ensure that “the actions of the few” will not be forgotten, especially by those who benefited from those actions.”
In addition, any veterans of the armed services who are interested in learning more about their benefits and the possibility of an American Legion membership will have access to a representative. A table will be set up at near the gazeebo for those interested in learning more about veteran organizations, including the American Legion, Auxiliary and Sons of the American Legion.
Following the parade and guest speaker, at noon, there will be a ceremony on Webster Street on the bridge and in front of the American Legion Post 158 to lay wreaths at the veteran memorials. A wreath will be thrown into the water off the bridge to symbolize all the service members lost at sea.
For more information about participating in the parade, contact the American Legion Post 158 via Jim Veilleux at 207-330-1093.