PARIS – They sat among the dead on a sparkling summer day in a tree-shaded amphitheater of gravestones.

Riverside Cemetery, just outside Market Square, drew one of the largest crowds in recent memory to Monday’s Memorial Day services, said Ray Berard, commander of Foster-Carroll American Legion Post 72.

Berard, along with other post members and veterans, stood at attention behind the podium next to the Little Androscoggin River. Two huge speakers allowed the ceremony to be heard all the way up the steep, terraced hillside.

Some folks had brought lawn chairs. Some brought their dogs. Parents brought their children. All listened with respect.

“We invite an invasion – an invasion of your Holy Spirit to lead us,” said the Rev. Don Mayberry in the opening prayer.

Earl Rogers of Boy Scout Troop 130 spoke of the Memorial Day tradition of planting “the brightest flowers of springtime” as people gather around “their sacred remains.”

A wreath was thrown in the river to commemorate those who died while serving their country.

The featured speaker was Gail Pulkkinen, who lost two uncles in World War II. She also remembered her father, who, too, fought in World War II yet made it home alive.

For some time now, Pulkkinen has been displaying photos on loan from the post of fallen local World War II veterans. She said one woman recognized one of the photos as her grandfather. The woman was able to get a picture from the post of her grandfather that she didn’t know existed, Pulkkinen said.

Paris lost 23 soldiers in World War I, WW II, Korea and Vietnam.

“The men and women behind me are survivors,” said Pulkkinen.

She said Memorial Day is a fitting day to remember both those who died and those lucky enough to make it home.

She urged everyone to keep alive the memories within their own families of loved ones who served their country.

“I have a granddaughter a year old, and believe me, she will know about her heritage,” said Pulkkinen.

[email protected]