RUMFORD – The annual Memorial Day celebration will be a two-part event this year, beginning with a traditional parade organized by the Rumford American Legion, and ending with the dedication of a Vietnam War memorial.

Leading the parade that will wind its way through Rumford and Mexico is Jack Zollo, a decorated World War II veteran who lives in Rumford.

The parade is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. at the former Agway building in Rumford, then cross Memorial Bridge to the rotary where a wreath will be laid at the military memorial. Sheriff Wayne Gallant and Legion Commander Bob Richardson will speak.

The parade, which is expected to include a U.S. Navy marching group, U.S. Army color guard, World War II military equipment, motorcycle clubs, the Rumford Police Department color guard, and many other groups and vehicles, will then reassemble at the Mexico Plaza parking lot at about noon before marching to the Mexico Greens where another wreath will be laid. New names that have since been added to the veterans memorial will be read, and Gallant, Richardson and Mexico Town Manager John Madigan will speak.

At 1:30 p.m., a new Vietnam War Memorial will be dedicated at Veterans Park in Rumford. Len Greaney, coordinator of the event, along with Scott May, raised $11,500 for the black granite monument that honors the 37 servicemen from Oxford County who died during the Vietnam War.

The dedication ceremony will feature family members of some of the deceased Vietnam War soldiers, state legislators, Gallant, and Col. John Mosher, chief of operations for the Maine National Guard, among others. Music will be provided by several bands and singing groups, including the Rumford Association for the Advancement of the Performing Arts.

An open house at the American Legion on Congress Street for the public is scheduled from 3 to 5 p.m.

Prior to the Memorial Day parade, a wreath will also be laid at the Civil War monument in Rumford Center.