PARIS – On Thursday, Nov. 11, the Foster Carroll American Legion Post 72 will host the Veterans Day Parade and program.

According to James W. Taylor Jr., Post Americanism officer of South Paris, if they are available, a unit of the Maine Army National Guard will join with the veterans organizations of Norway and Paris to honor the veterans of all the nation’s wars and conflicts with the parade down Main Street.

An invitation is extended to any and all veterans and active duty military personnel who wish to participate in this parade. Members of nearby communities who wish to march, Boy Scout or Girl Scout troops, sports teams or any other organizations are welcome to march to the music of the Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School Marching Band. Parade Marshal George Brown assures that anyone who just wants to march in honor of the guardians of freedom will be welcome to do so.

The parade will form in front of the Oxford County Courthouse at 9 a.m. and will step off sharply at 9:30 a.m. with equestrian Marshal Harley Stevens leading the way on his mount, and the Color Guard with Legion Post 82 of Norway will be marching with auxiliary units.

From the County Courthouse, the parade will turn left onto Main Street and proceed to Market Square. When reaching Church Street, it will turn left, and march to the front of the Foster Carroll American Legion Post Home. There, the parade will disband and reform as an audience for the Veterans Day program to be given from the veranda of the building.

As the master of ceremonies, the post commander will introduce keynote speaker, Theodore “Ted” Heidrich, representing the Marine Corps League, Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion. Patriotic music by the OHCHS band rounds out the program. At the conclusion of the program, there will be refreshments available at the Legion Hall. All are welcome.

Members of the American Legion will be on hand to discuss the benefits of Legion membership with veterans who do not belong to a post at present. For more information, phone 743-7395.