Compiled by Zendelle Bouchard
Sanford will commemorate Memorial Day with a full day of activities on Monday, May 27, including a parade (weather permitting) and ceremonies honoring our nation’s fallen service members.
Wreath Laying
The Sanford Veterans Memorial Committee will kick off the day with wreath laying ceremonies at cemeteries and other locations around town. Committee members will gather at downtown Dunkin’ Donuts at 7:30 am and proceed by car to the following locations, in this order, to lay wreaths. The public is invited to join them at any or all locations.
Parade & Ceremonies
Please note William Oscar Emery Drive will be closed beginning about 9 am. The parade (weather permitting) will begin at 10 am at the National Guard Armory. Becky Conley will be Grand Marshal of the parade. The Sanford High School and Sanford Middle School bands will be participating. The parade will follow this route:
Following the parade, ceremonies will be held at the Gazebo in Springvale Square (near Walgreens). Paul Auger will serve as Master of Ceremonies and both bands will play. The Amvets Honor Guard will take part and Jessica Johnson will play taps. PLEASE NOTE if the parade is cancelled due to rain, the ceremony will be held at the Veterans Memorial Gym, 678 Main St. at 10 am.
Veterans Cemetery Ceremony The ceremony at Southern Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Springvale will take place beginning at 1 pm. Retired Vice Admiral George W. Emery of the US Navy, a native of Springvale, will be the guest speaker. US Senator Susan Collins will deliver the keynote address. The ceremony will also include a wreath laying, rifle salute and Amazing Grace performed by pipers Al Halliday and Bill Ferrigno. The public is encouraged to attend. Read more about Vice Admiral Emery’s Naval career here:
Poppies Marge Lewis of the American Legion Auxiliary will be at Springvale Hardware this Memorial Day weekend with red paper poppies available for a donation. All funds raised are used to help needy veterans. Paper poppies have been offered to the public each May since 1921 as a memorial to all fallen veterans. After World War I, poppies grew in the fields of Europe where battles were fought, their bright red color a symbolic reminder of the blood shed by our soldiers.
Bald Eagle recently spotted in Springvale near Dunkin Donuts Photo: Tarrah Littlefield
Homefront facilitators Abi Brown, Jill Belleard and Kristi Carr Photo: Tammy Wells By Tammy Wells, York County Government A peer…
Emily Sheffield Phot: Autumn Bliss Photography By: Jennifer Davie How many hats can one person wear? That’s a challenge that…
Snowshoeing is a great way to explore snow covered trails Photo Credit: Shalimar DeBusk By John Henkelman, Registered Maine Guide…
Compiled by Lisa Blanchette Visit our Events Calendar https://sanfordspringvalenews.com/events/ for details on these events and on events to come. ONGOING…
Sweetser’s Liz Smith (left) and Karen Dow were on hand at a recent Health & Wellness Fair to inform college…