By Emma Bouthillette 

Staff Writer

It’s been deemed as the “unofficial kick-off” of summer, but Memorial Day is set aside to remember and honor those who have served this country and those who have died while fighting wars. 

Local American Legion Posts have arranged for parades and ceremonies in Kennebunkport and Kennebunk. 

American Legion Post No. 159 Commander Johnnie Martel said the parade in Kennebunkport will begin at 9:30 a.m. Monday, starting at the Masonic Hall on Temple Street, turn right onto Maine Street, right again onto Spring Street, with a gun salute on the Kennebunk River, continue into Kennebunk to Coopers Corner and then return to Dock Square for a ceremony. He said the ceremony includes a prayer with Rev. Ruth Merriam and a speech by Col. Thomas Sinclair who is a veteran of the Vietnam War. 

In Kennebunk, American Legion Post No. 74 member Brian McBride said members are gathering at 7 a.m. to salute deceased veterans and then continuing to various cemeteries in Kennebunk to say prayers and honor other veterans. 

The parade starts assembling at 1:30 p.m. at town hall and will march down Main Street.

While the post has nearly 80 members, McBride said a lot of them are World War II veterans and no longer participate in activities. 

“All veterans are encouraged to participate, even the younger veterans,” McBride said. “Our post is a nice little place with a good meeting hall, but no one seems to come anymore. We’re trying to keep it alive.”

Looking through volumes of scrapbooks kept by American Legion Post No. 74, McBride said people used to make a “big deal” about Memorial Day activities, and he said he hopes people will come out to revive the same passion the town once had in honoring veterans. 

Staff writer Emma Bouthillette can be reached at 282-4337 ext. 237.