For the first time in many years, our Memorial Day parade was very small. I was surprised that neither of our high school bands paraded, but the parade was also small because most major stores were having sales.

People don’t participate in parades or even come to watch because they would rather go to sales. They just don’t remember who helped make this country free.

I’m sure it would have helped a little if our own newspaper had an article in that morning’s paper stating there was a ceremony.

Many people worked hard to organize this event, including a flag pole dedication in the new Veterans Memorial Park. The U.S. Army donated flags in memory of Marcel Moore and Charles E. Day, as did other service branches and local veterans organizations.

While each flag was raised the Just Us Singers sang the appropriate songs. Both mayors of Lewiston and Auburn said a few words. Mrs. Nancy Cunningham, mother of Dan Cunningham who was killed in Iraq, placed the yellow ribbon by the podium.

As the chairman of the Lewiston-Auburn Veterans Council, I wish to thank everyone who helped make this ceremony so wonderful and thanks to all those who participated. I also wish to thank Hammond Lumber Co., which closed all its stores in Maine because it was Memorial Day and that’s the way it should be celebrated.

All stores should be closed at least until noon to show respect to those who gave their lives to keep this country free.

Bert Dutil, Lewiston