WEST PARIS – More than 300 people lined Main Street Monday as the town held its annual Memorial Day observance and parade in remembrance of those men and women who have dedicated their lives, some making the ultimate sacrifice, to preserve their country’s freedom.

As has been tradition since the town was officially chartered by the State of Maine, the parade assembled on Main Street where event coordinator Bertha DeHaas led the Pledge of Allegiance and the Oxford Hills Middle School Marching Band played the national anthem. From there it proceeded to Memorial Bridge on High Street where a wreath was cast on the waters of the Little Androscoggin River and prayers were said in memory of brave Americans who lost their lives at sea.

Afterward the parade wound its way to the Wayside Cemetery where flags were placed on veterans’ graves and prayers were offered in their memory. Following the ceremony the marchers returned to the War Memorial in the center of the village to sing “God Bless America” and pray in honor of those listed on the town’s honor roll.

Also participating in the parade were a color guard and firing squad from the Ring McKeen American Legion Post, Boy and Girl Scouts, local school children, units from the West Paris Fire Department, antique cars and a unit from the Tri-Town Ambulance and Rescue Service.