LEWISTON – A Twin Cities Memorial Day Parade is scheduled for Saturday, May 23.

The American Legion Riders, Patriot Guard, Rolling Thunder and United Bikers of Maine riders will usher the parade.

All marching units, veterans floats, military and classic vehicles, the Lewiston Auburn Police and Fire Departments and Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Department color guard units will be meeting at Kennedy Park from 8 to 8:30 a.m. Veterans marching units, civil air patrol, Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts, Brownies, Daughters of the American Revolution, Knights of Columbus and ROAR are participating. Any patriotic floats are welcomed.

The parade will begin promptly at 9:30 a.m. in front of Simones Hot Dog Stand on Chestnut Street and head down Lisbon Street to Main Street. Units will take a left on Main Street, pass the Veterans Memorial Park, cross Longley Memorial Bridge and turn right around the Hilton Garden Inn. They will continue left and pass in front of the Androscoggin County Building on Turner Street, then cross over Longley Memorial Bridge and disband at the Veterans Memorial Park.

At the park, Lewiston Mayor Larry Gilbert and Auburn Mayor John Jenkins will speak before the unveiling of the 17th Veterans Memorial Stone.

Bert Dutil will serve as the master of ceremonies. A special flag from Iraq will be flown during the ceremony. It was given to Cub Scout Pack 007 of Lewiston, which sent a video to American troops at Christmas.

Melissa Noel will sing the national anthem. Guest speaker will be Amvets State Commander Rodney A. Anderson.

“Our Heroes” will be sung by Debbie Poulin.

The Wreath of Enduring Memory will be placed by Rodney Anderson and Chairman Paul Bernard escorted by Ray Boulet. The American Legion Harry J. Conway Post 135 of Sabattus will provide the rifle squad, followed by taps by Roger Renaud.

All chaplains will read the names of deceased members who passed away since last Memorial Day. “Amazing Grace” will be sung by the Just Us Singers.

L and A Veterans Council Chairman Paul Bernard will unveil the updated abbreviation stone.

Unveiling the 17th Memorial Veterans Stone will be Rodney A. Anderson and Ray Gilliam. The L and A Veterans Council is inviting the community to line up on Lisbon and Main streets in a show of support to veterans.

Anyone interested in marching or designing a patriotic float or participating in any way may contact the chairman at 225-3285 or e-mail at laveteranscouncil@megalink.net.

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