HOULTON, Maine — The morning of May 31 was wet and rainy, but that didn’t stop more than two dozen local residents from gathering at Houlton’s Monument Park to honor America’s soldiers who fell in the line of duty.
The gathering had been preceded by a small parade that began near the entrance of Houlton’s Riverfront Park and marched down Market Square and Main Street before making its way to Monument Park. A commemorative wreath-hanging was done over the North Street Bridge over the Meduxnekeag River, although it was not tossed in as is custom, due to the wreath being non-biodegradable.
Houlton’s veterans lead a parade toward Monument Park down Houlton’s Main Street, led by Scott Brewer of the American Legion. (Alexander MacDougall | Houlton Pioneer Times)
Members of the local American Legion Post No. 47 and the United Veterans Motorcycle club took part and prepared the Memorial Day parade and commemoration. This included the raising of the POW/MIA flag to honor prisoners of war, the laying of wreaths at the various war memorials in Monument Park, and the firing of muskets by American Legion members.
Despite the rain, the turnout for this year’s Memorial Day events was much larger than the previous year, due to this one being held with the recent lifting of COVID-19 mask requirements and social distancing guidelines in Maine.
Tim DeLuca, the chief of the Houlton Police Department who served as a guest speaker at the event, said that the day was not only in remembrance of America’s veterans, but also signaling the beginning of the end for the pandemic which has affected the country over the previous year.
“We are excited to get back and join the spirit of America, and the freedom we all enjoy,” DeLuca said. “This special Memorial Day 2021, it’s a time to remember, a time to honor, a time to reflect.”
Sue Tortello, a member of the Houlton Town Council, also spoke about honoring America’s veterans.
“We are here because they aren’t. It’s a very profound statement,” Tortello said. “It makes us ask ourselves, could we do the same?”
Houlton Police Chief Tim DeLuca speaks during the Memorial Day event in Houlton’s Monument Park. (Alexander MacDougall | Houlton Pioneer Times)
Travis Bartley of the American Legion stands as the commemorative wreath for America’s fallen soldiers is laid out in Houlton on Memorial Day. (Alexander MacDougall | Houlton Pioneer Times)
From left, Travis Bartley, Laurel Farrell and Christie Bartley of the local American Legion stand at rest during the Memorial Day commemoration at Houlton’s Monument Park. (Alexander MacDougall | Houlton Pioneer Times)
The American Legion’s Jerry Riley blows the bugle as part of the Memorial Day commemoration at Houlton’s Monument Park. (Alexander MacDougall | Houlton Pioneer Times)
