PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Residents of all ages found something to enjoy on Memorial Day in Presque Isle.
Representatives of local veterans groups started the day with a solemn ceremony at the Civil War Memorial at Fairmount Cemetery. Members of Hayward-Frazier Post 2599 Veterans of Foreign Wars, Smart Ricker Unit of the Disabled American Veterans and the Ray Goding Post 88 American Legion gathered to honor those who died in the nation’s service.
More than 20 veterans assembled in formation as each unit’s flag was raised. Following an opening prayer, DAV Commander Dan Bruce offered a remembrance. Wreaths were laid at the foot of the monument and all saluted as DAV bugler Rod Cameron played taps.
A large group of Presque Isle area veterans assembled before the Civil War Monument at Fairmount Cemetery to honor those who lost their lives serving the country. From left are Fred Grooms, finance officer of Ray Goding American Legion Post 88; Andy Kinney, chaplain of the Hayward-Frazier Post 2599 Veterans of Foreign Wars; and VFW Post Commander Jim Jacques.(Paula Brewer | The Star-Herald)
Following the ceremony, the groups joined others at the University of Maine at Presque Isle to form up for the annual Memorial Day Parade down Main Street, which included the veterans groups as well as the Presque Isle Civil Air Patrol, local Scouts, queens and Presque Isle fire and police.
Members of Cub Scout Troop 177 of Presque Isle march in Monday’s Memorial Day parade. (Paula Brewer | The Star-Herald)
A wreath-laying ceremony was also held at Veterans Park on North Main Street. Later in the afternoon, Cameron played taps at the Presque Isle Fire Station as part of Taps Across America.
Members of the Smart Ricker chapter of Disabled American Veterans ride down Main Street, waving to spectators during Presque Isle’s Memorial Day Parade. (Paula Brewer | The Star-Herald)
Coinciding with Memorial Day activities were Young Eagle Flights, sponsored by the Northern Maine Flying Club at the Presque Isle General Aviation Terminal.
The event drew a steady stream of families and onlookers and gave area youth the chance to experience a flight in one of several planes, here with their volunteer pilots for the occasion. A story and photos will appear in next week’s edition.
