CARIBOU, Maine — Hundreds gathered along Sweden and Main streets in Caribou for the May 28 Memorial Day parade.
Beginning at 10 a.m. at the Caribou Court House on Sweden Street, the parade featured appearances from several city departments including police, fire, and parks and recreation, as well as sports teams, school marching bands, and recent pageant winners.
A Caribou officer rides a police motorcycle on South Main Street during a May 28 Memorial Day parade. (Christopher Bouchard)
All marched from the courthouse to the Veterans’ Memorial Park on South Main Street, where members of numerous local military organizations paid their respects to the lives lost in war.
Roger Felix, commander of the Lister-Knowlton VFW Post 9389 in Caribou, welcomed guests to the ceremony in the park.
“Memorial Day is a sacred day to all war veterans,” Felix said, “but what about the many other communities and future generations? I ask, do most non-veterans realize the importance of a day honoring their fellow Americans killed in war? Judging by what Memorial Day has become, simply a day off work, sadly the answer is sometimes no.”
He told guests that a “reminder is due,” and that it is the duty of each and every veteran to relay the following message “Sacrifice is meaningless without remembrance. America’s collective consciousness demands that all citizens recall and be aware of their fellow countrymen during war time, so they can understand what was paid for their freedom.”
Felix said that giving one’s life on behalf of another is the “greatest sacrifice possible,” and there are simple ways to honor this sacrifice, even pausing for a moment of silence to acknowledge their heroism.
“Such traditions will live on only if there is a vibrant movement in which the torch is passed on,” Felix said. “Fewer and fewer standard-bearers pass that torch. Please, continue to stand with me in remembrance.”
Wayne Little, commander of the local American Legion spoke of honoring “those who gave their lives in service,” and of the reverence earned by all fallen friends and comrades in the U.S. military.
“Thank you all for being here,” Little said, “and as we’ve always said: All gave some, some gave all.”
The VFW Auxiliary, and representatives from numerous veterans organizations in the area, placed wreaths near the statue in the park symbolizing remembrance for those who fought in all branches of the military during all conflicts. Felix also asked for a moment of silence in honor of veterans who have passed within the last year.
He then named all veterans who passed within the last year, and with each veteran, a small flag was placed around the wreaths in their honor.
Felix then called for all present units to order arms, as “Taps” played during the ceremony’s conclusion.
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- American Legion Commander Wayne Little speaks of the sacrifices made by, and reverence deserved for, all those who served their country during a May 28 Memorial Day ceremony at the Veterans’ Memorial Park on South Main Street in Caribou. (Christopher Bouchard)
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- Caribou Police Chief Michael Gahagan and Mayor David Martin make an appearance during Caribou’s May 28 Memorial Day parade. (Christopher Bouchard)
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- Local pageant winners wave to spectators during Caribou’s May 28 Memorial Day parade. Those pictured on the car, from left, are 2018 Teen Miss Caribou Kearstin Cote, Little Miss Caribou Vivian Bell, and Miss Caribou Makenzie Conroy. (Christopher Bouchard)
