A parade of veterans, affiliated organizations and the Spruce Mountain High School marching band made their way through Jay and Livermore Falls to mark Memorial Day on Monday.

Their first destination was the Chisholm Square World War II Memorial in Jay, where keynote speaker Maeghan Maloney, district attorney for Kennebec and Somerset counties, addressed the crowd.

“It is an honor to speak with all of you today,” she said. “You are my heroes. Our veterans have fought for us and we need to fight for them.”

Maloney talked about the benefits veterans need when they come home after serving abroad. She noted that people in veterans organizations were working to help bring benefits to veterans.

Maloney recognized Jay resident Betty Houle for giving more than 8,000 hours of volunteer service to the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Augusta, and Jay resident Hyla Friedman, who led the restoration of the World War II Memorial in Jay.

Also, she mentioned Fayette resident Roberta Simoneau, who is serving as George Bunten American Legion Post 10 Auxiliary president. Maloney quoted Simoneau’s husband, American Legion member and Memorial Day event organizer Donald Simoneau, saying, “In Don’s words, ‘I could not do what I have done without her. She has been my saint.'”

Maloney highlighted a program dedicated to veterans and the Veterans Treatment Court in Augusta. It is a court program for veterans who are involved in the criminal justice system.

“The Veterans Court focuses on rehabilitation instead of punishment. And it works,” Maloney said.

She said of all those who have graduated from the court’s treatment program, none have committed more crimes.

“Not all of us have the ability to serve our country overseas, but we all have the ability to serve them at home,” Maloney said.

The parade also made stops at Richardson Cemetery, the Grand Army of the Republic Monument, the Fire-Police EMS Monument, and Union Park, all in Livermore Falls.

At each, the band played the national anthem and a prayer was recited. A wreath was laid at each location, the Honor Guard fired a series of volleys, and taps were performed.

Additionally, at Union Park, a World War I Model 1897 Cannon/Howitzer was rededicated at the World War I Monument.

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