LEWISTON – Young Cub Scouts beamed proudly as they held the halyards on flagpoles at Veterans Memorial Park. Air Force Junior ROTC Cadets of Lewiston High School stood at their sides to help, and dozens of veterans watched as real-life lessons about keeping America free were passed to a new generation.

The Twin Cities’ Memorial Day events Saturday morning focused on the unveiling of a 17th stone at the park where about 3,700 names of local veterans are now engraved on polished granite monuments.

The newest stone includes the names of Vietnam veterans of the Twin Cities.

Money for that recognition was raised by Don Beaulieu and Ray Gilliam of American Legion Post 153, New Auburn, and the American Legion Riders.

Beaulieu said six names were on previously placed stones, but 21 additional names were added on the new stone.

A new marker defining abbreviations on the memorial stones also was unveiled by the cities’ mayors and Beth Shields, president of Maine’s Gold Star Mothers.

Hundreds of spectators cheered the participants in an impressive parade that moved through the streets of Lewiston, across Longley Bridge to Auburn and back again to the riverside park.

Motorcycles of the American Legion Riders, Patriot Guard, Rolling Thunder, and United Bikers of Maine led the parade. Also featured were numerous local veterans’ organizations, the Civil Air Patrol, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts and Brownies, bands including the combined area high school group known as ROAR of the Androscoggin, Daughters of the American Revolution, Knights of Columbus, police, fire and rescue units from several towns, and several vehicles decorated by individuals who celebrate patriotism in each year’s parade.

Cloudy skies and chilly winds during the parade gave way to some sunshine and warmer temperatures before the event’s talks.

Cub Scouts of Pack 007 (formed 40 years ago as Pack 160), which meets at Vineyard Church, Lewiston, lowered the park’s several flags in unison. They replaced the American flag with one given to the Cub Scouts by soldiers in Iraq. Then, as Melissa Noel sang the National Anthem, they raised all the flags to the top of the poles and back to half-staff for Memorial Day.

The new flag came as the result of a Christmas carols DVD made by the boys and sent to American bases and ships. The flag raised by them had flown over a base in Iraq.

In his remarks, Lewiston Mayor Larry Gilbert said, “Thank you, Scouts, for sharing your treasured gift with us today.”

Also addressing the crowd, Auburn Mayor John Jenkins said, “Thank you for standing for those who stood for us.”

Amvets State Commander Rodney A. Anderson also spoke.

A large recreational vehicle outfitted as a travel service of the Maine Vet Centers also was in the parade and available for information on the park grounds.

A “Wreath of Enduring Memory” was placed by Rodney Anderson and Paul Bernard, chairman of the L-A Veterans Council, escorted by Ray Boulet.

Bernard and Bert Dutil, past chairman, served as hosts.

Debbi Poulin sang “Our Heroes” and the Just Us Singers also performed.

Harry J. Conway American Legion Post 135 of Sabattus provided the rifle squad and Roger Renaud played Taps.