LEWISTON – Saturday’s Memorial Day parade drew throngs of people to the sidewalks of downtown L-A, and family groups mixed with dozens of uniformed veterans and servicemen and women for ceremonies at Lewiston’s Veterans Memorial Park.

It was a day of remembrance as a 15th engraved stone was dedicated at the park. The efforts of several people who have worked through the years to develop the riverside park also were recognized by speakers. The crowd later watched the placement of additional plaques at the park.

Lewiston Mayor Larry Gilbert, a Vietnam veteran, told the gathering, “It is my hope that today’s parade and the unveiling of the 15th stone will serve as meaningful reminders of the recognition all military personnel so richly deserve.”

He later added, “I’m sure the majority of us have either personally or indirectly been impacted by the courage and selfless service of those who serve our country. Although our gratitude could never be adequately expressed in words, may ceremonies like this one speak loudly of our immeasurable heartfelt pride.”

With reference to the 3,024 names now inscribed on stones at the veterans park, Gilbert added, “Indeed, may we always remember that these are not just names, but individuals who unwaveringly stood tall for all that our country stands for.”

The newest stone, which adds 216 names to the list of veterans honored at the park, bears the logo of the Marine Corps League. More than 100 musicians from area schools played “God Bless America” as they joined to form a combined marching band that has been a highlight of parades in recent years.

The parade also featured a large and loud unit of youngsters from Cub Scout Pack 111 of Auburn who counted cadence as they marched.

The Kennebec Girl Scout Council had a contingent, as did the Air Force Junior ROTC and the Knights of Columbus, firetrucks and rescue vehicles from Minot and Mechanic Falls participated, and a huge flag spanned Main Street between aerial ladders of L-A firetrucks near the Lewiston end of Longley Bridge.

A drum corps with glockenspiel representing American Legion Post No. 135 of Sabattus played from a flat-bed trailer. Other veteran units included American Legion Post 22 of Lewiston; American Legion Post 31 of Auburn; Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9150, Lewiston; Franco-American Veterans Post 31 of Lewiston; the Thomas J. Field Chapter 2699 of Lewiston, Military Order of the Purple Heart; Daughters of the American Revolution; and the Patriot Guard Riders.

The long parade began at Kennedy Park, proceeded to Great Falls Plaza in Auburn and looped back across Longley Bridge to Lewiston. It took more than half an hour to pass spectators.

The crowd, which filled the plaza area of Veterans Memorial Park, enjoyed pleasant late spring weather for the event. Several musical numbers were performed by vocal group Four on a Match.

Auburn Mayor John Jenkins reminded everyone to “take the time to thank a veteran.”

Remarks also were delivered by Maine Congressmen Mike Michaud and Tom Allen.

Bert Dutil, long-time chairman of the L-A Veterans Council, served as master of ceremonies. A plaque was unveiled commemorating Dutil’s services, as well as the work of others who were instrumental in developing the veterans park.

Dutil made special recognition of Joseph A. Paradis, a Korean War veteran, prisoner of war and purple heart recipient who worked to establish an area to remember the region’s veterans. A new plaque in his honor was placed at the park.

Paul Bernard, parade chairman and new head of the L-A Veterans Council, noted the dedication of Dutil and Willie Danforth, both of whom preceded him.

Applications for engraving names on later stones that will be placed at the park can be found online at www.maineamericanlegion.com, under Lewiston-Auburn Veterans Council and Veterans Memorial Park.