RUMFORD – Thousands of veterans, their families and supporters are expected to turn out Saturday, May 19, for the dedication of a memorial in honor of Oxford County servicemen killed during the Vietnam War.

Scott May, a Vietnam veteran who lives in Mexico, and Len Greaney of Rumford, a veteran who served during the Korean War era, have been working for several months to raise the $11,500 needed for the 8- by 5-foot, black granite monument that will be dedicated at Veterans Memorial Park.

Several thousand dollars more has been raised to cover related expenses. Any funds left will be used to start a scholarship for high school students.

May, who is director of the Oxford County United Bikers of Maine, expects at least a thousand bikers to roar through Rumford and Mexico around 11:30 a.m., just prior to the military parade. Motorcycles will line Congress Street when the parade begins.

Among participants in the parade, scheduled to leave the parking lot about noon from Rumford Elementary School prior to marching down Congress Street, are color guards from several branches of the armed forces, including the Marine Corps, Navy and Coast Guard, a band from Dirigo high and middle schools, a tank, Humvees, and other military armaments. The Marine Corps will offer a 21-gun salute during the ceremony and two F-16 jets from the Vermont Air National Guard are scheduled to fly over about the same time. The ceremony is scheduled to begin around 1 p.m.

Among speakers are family members of fallen servicemen: Aaron Tibbetts, son of Pfc. Bruce Tibbetts, Dixfield, Corey Millett, son of SP4 Laurence Millett, Norway, Rose Dyke, sister of Staff Sgt. John Brooks, Peru, and David Hastings III, brother of LCMR Robert Graustein, Fryeburg.

U.S. Rep. Michael Michaud and Gov. John E. Baldacci, along with representatives for Sens. Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins, Oxford County Sheriff Wayne Gallant, a Vietnam veteran, and Gen. William Libby, commander of the Maine National Guard, will also speak.

Congress Street and a portion of Bridge Street, also known as Route 108, extending just beyond Morse Bridge, will be closed during the parade and ceremony.

The police department, many Oxford County Sheriff’s Office deputies, members of the Mexico Police Department and several state troopers will provide security.

Because Veterans Park is not large enough for everyone who wants to witness the ceremony, May said two large-screen televisions will be set up along Congress Street that will air the event.

After the ceremony, receptions will be held for veterans, their families, and dignitaries at the Rumford American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars.