Solemn Memorial Day in Oakfield

5 years ago

OAKFIELD, Maine — Under a cool, overcast sky, a small crowd came out to mark Memorial Day festivities in Oakfield.

Revelers began lining up for the parade, which was sponsored by American Legion Post No. 52,  just before 10 a.m.

Members of the Southern Aroostook Community School band played taps as veterans tossed a wreath off a bridge on the Ridge Road shortly after 10 a.m.

Kim Mitchell, who attended the parade with her daughter, McKenzie, said that she enjoys coming to the event.

“It is small and is over pretty quickly, but you always see someone that you know,” she said. “I know pretty much every one of the veterans that are on the parade float, even though I live in Houlton.”

Helen Williams of Smyrna said that she usually attended the event “every few years or so.”

“I enjoy the wreath toss,” she said. “It brings home to me the sacrifice that our soldiers made for our freedom.”

The parade continued to the Veterans War Memorial for a brief ceremony at 11 a.m.