PARIS – The Norway-Paris Veterans Day Parade will begin at 9:30 a.m. Thursday in front of the Oxford County Courthouse on Western Avenue.

In case of wet weather or near-freezing temperatures, the program may be held within the Foster-Carroll American Legion Post No. 72 on Church Street.

The Paris post and Norway’s Stone-Smart American Legion Post No. 82 have taken turns hosting the parade for many years, and this year it is Paris’ turn, said the Paris post’s Americanism officer, James Taylor Jr.

The parade, led by equestrian marshal Harley Stevens of Paris, a World War II veteran, will march from the courthouse, turn left on Main Street and proceed toward Market Square. Marchers will turn left on Church Street and gather with the public for a program in front of the Paris post featuring a speech by Ted Heidrich, representing the Marine Corps League, the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion.

If it is available, a unit from the Maine Army National Guard will join the march with the veterans’ organization of Norway and Paris, local Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops, and the Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School Marching Band.

Parade marshal George Brown said that anyone is welcome to march in honor of the veterans of the nation’s wars and conflicts. Marchers will assemble for the parade at 9 a.m.

Refreshments will be served inside the Legion Hall after the program, and 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.