WEST PARIS – Keeping with tradition, the Ring-McKeen American Legion Post presented the town’s annual Memorial Day parade and observance Monday.

About 200 people lined the parade route from the village center to the Wayside Cemetery to remember and honor the men and women who have served their country.

Led by American Legion Auxiliary member Bertha DeHaas, the troop marched to the Memorial Bridge on High Street where prayers were given in memory of service people who died at sea and a wreath was cast to the Little Androscoggin River.

The procession then marched to the cemetery where prayers were offered in remembrance of members of the other branches of the armed services. School children placed flags on veterans’ graves and prayers were offered thanking them for their devotion to country and freedom. Taps was played and a 21-gun salute offered by the Ring-McKeen firing squad.

Closing remarks and prayers were given at the war memorial on the town common, followed by refreshments served at the Finnish American Society building.