Grand marshal for Auburn’s Memorial Day parade announced

AUBURN – The grand marshal of Auburn’s Sesquicentennial Memorial Day parade will be Marine Col. (ret.) Todd Desgrosseilliers, Mayor Jason Levesque has announced.
An Auburn native, Desgrosseillier served as a Marine for more than 30 years, first as an enlisted soldier, rising to the rank of staff sergeant before becoming an infantry officer.

He held command positions at every officer rank, retiring as a colonel. Desgrosseillier’s military decorations include the Silver Star medal, two Bronze Star medals — both with Valor Devices — two Purple Heart medals, two Meritorious Service medals, three Navy and Marine Corps Achievement medals, the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, and the Combat Action Ribbon.
Desgrosseillier continues his tradition of selfless service as CEO of “Project Healing Waters,” based out of Washington D.C. Project Healing Waters is dedicated to the physical and emotional rehabilitation of disabled active military service personnel and disabled veterans through fly fishing and associated activities, including education and outings.
“Todd represents the very best of Auburn, and he defines what service to one’s nation and community should look like,” said Levesque. “I am beyond excited — and truly honored — to have the colonel as our Grand Marshal. I hope that the residents of Auburn get a chance to meet this great American and son of Auburn.”
Auburn’s 150th Memorial Day Celebration will begin Sunday, May 26, at 9 a.m. with a Civil War Encampment by Co. A, Third Maine Volunteer Infantry in Moulton Park. This living history event will feature demonstrations throughout the day on Sunday and continue until 2 p.m. Monday. Moulton Park, located behind Community Little Theater and linked to Bonney Park, can be accessed on foot via Main Street. Visitors are welcome; directional signs will be posted.
On Monday morning, May 27, the parade will step off at 10 a.m. on Mill Street in New Auburn. The parade will follow Main Street into Auburn’s downtown, turn onto Court Street, then Turner Street and proceed through Great Falls Plaza. The parade will conclude across the bridge in Lewiston at the Veterans’ Memorial, where a special Memorial Day ceremony will take place.
In addition to Monday’s parade, the celebration will also include Auburn’s first ever “Art in the Park” juried art show in Edward Little Park (in front of Community Little Theatre). The show will feature Maine artists, local crafters, a farmers’ market, food trucks and more.
For more information on Auburn’s Memorial Day Celebration, visit www.auburn150.com