JAY — Rain did not stop residents from Jay, Livermore, Livermore Falls and Fayette from marking Memorial Day on Monday, May 25, with wreath-laying ceremonies, a parade and a closing ceremony at Union Park.

The day began with ceremonies honoring fallen service members at the Fayette War Memorial, the Brettuns War Memorial in Livermore and the Livermore Falls Memorial Bridge. The Memorial Day parade began at 10 a.m., led by Jay and Livermore Falls police cruisers.

The annual observance brought together veterans, students, scouts, civic groups, public safety agencies and community members for a solemn rainy-day tribute to military personnel who died while serving in the U.S. armed forces.

The parade included the Civil Air Patrol Maine Wing, led by Commander Jess Woodcock; the VFW Auxiliary Marching Unit; wreath bearers Connie Cordell and Trevor Doiron; and the Spruce Mountain School Band, led by Dianne Fenlason. This year’s grand marshal was John Dube.

The Veteran Procession included: driver Gayle Murphy Long with veteran George and Fern Doiron, driver Sherry Labbe with veteran Reggie Tardiff, driver Chris Dumais with veteran Daryll Dunton, driver Lewis Lyman with veteran Byron Bean, driver Steve Gettle with veteran David Smith, driver Missy Dorey with veteran Sheila Weed, driver Mr. Dorey with veteran Dave Lachapelle, driver Steve Tracy with veteran Wayne Sapiel, and driver Scott White with veteran Paul Fortier.

Also participating were Scouts of America packs from Turner, Rumford and Andover; Bloom Academy of Dance; Maine Military Star Queens; the Cooper family’s “Remember and Honor” float; Wayside Baptist Church; Maine Pageant Queens; Sweetser Options; “Miss Poppy”; the Jay Recreation float; Timmy Smith’s “Barrel Train”; and an American Legion float with David Berntsen.

Horses from the Midcoast Maine Equestrian Team, led by Kristen Norton Mugnai, also joined the parade. Franklin and Androscoggin county sheriff’s offices led a procession of classic cars, with each vehicle escorting and honoring a local veteran. Fire and rescue departments from the Tri-Towns followed at the end of the parade.

Wreaths were laid along the parade route at the Chisholm Square World War II Memorial, Richardson Cemetery and Union Park. The Union Park ceremony included a gun salute by the rifle squadron, folding of the flag by the VFW Flag Unit and performances of the national anthem and “Taps” by the Spruce Mountain School Band.

Supporting Sponsor for Franklin Journal, Livermore Falls Advertiser, Rangeley Highlander and Rumford Falls Times.
Keeping communities informed by supporting local news. franklinsavings.bank