FARMINGTON – Memorial Day ceremonies Monday ranged from sober recollections of the men and women in uniform who have paid the ultimate sacrifice to cheerful waves from young children as participants marched down Main Street in the annual parade.

The observances began with a wreath-laying ceremony at the World War I Memorial, with members of Roderick Crosby Post 28 American Legion and Farmington Scout Troop 586 forming the color guard.

Laying the wreath was World War II veteran Alden Mitchell, for whom Memorial Day recalls more than a few vivid memories. In explaining his participation in the festivities, he simply said, “It’s just one of those things.”

More than 60 years ago, he was a member of the 58th Bomb Wing, 444th Bomb Group, 677th Bomber Squadron, a 20th Army-Air Force B-29 squadron that was flying in India, China and Tinian Island in the South Pacific.

Mitchell, still fitting into his wartime technical sergeant’s uniform, was a top gunner with the first outfit to go overseas with the large B-29 bomber. On his chest were the ribbons that reflect his experiences – the Distinguished Flying Cross, five Air Medals, a Purple Heart, Good Conduct and campaign medals.

Mitchell explained the Purple Heart, for wounds received in combat, was awarded after his “blister (pressurized top gun turret bubble) blew out and tried to take me with it.” The bomber crash-landed in a river bed in eastern China, about 25 kilometers from Japanese territory. “We just ran out of gas. The gasoline transfer system was damaged over the target, so we went down,” he explained.

Following the first wreath-laying ceremony, veterans advanced colors, and Jim Harris sang the national anthem. U.S. Sen. Susan Collins was the featured speaker at the American Legion Post, where she also placed a wreath and then marched with the parade. Collins also shared personal remembrances of Memorial Days past, when her World War II veteran father would attend ceremonies in her hometown of Caribou, and “hoist me high upon his shoulders and there, from the best vantage point along the parade route, I would see the hats come off and the hands go over hearts as the flag went by.”

She noted it wasn’t until many years later, when she was an adult, that her father shared his memories of intense wartime experiences, including how he earned the Bronze Star valor award and two Purple Heart medals when he was caught up in the climactic Battle of the Bulge in Europe in 1944.

Collins also conveyed the special privilege she feels when, as a senator, she has visited troops in their stations overseas, including Korea, Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan. “In them, I see the same courage and compassion that have been the true insignia of America’s armed forces throughout our history,” she said.

Shortly after the conclusion of the Legion services, the Memorial Day parade formed on Middle Street and its first stop was at Meeting House Park on Main Street, where wreaths were placed at the Civil War, World War II and Veterans memorials. Wilton American Legion Hosmer-Edwards Post 117 provided the firing squad for the ceremony. The parade continued down Main Street to Riverside Cemetery for a special service before reforming and ending at the municipal building.

After the parade, a light lunch was provided to participants at the Farmington American Legion Post.