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05/16/2023 07:53 AMWestbrook’s Memorial Day Parade is back on May 29. The parade starts at 10 a.m. and will run from the Riggio Building to the Town Green for a ceremony.
The parade is organized by American Legion Anderson-Hoxie Post 103. The parade will leave from the Riggio Building at 1163 Boston Post Road promptly at 10 a.m. From there, the parade will go to South Main Street and Across Route 1, right on Wesley Avenue, right on Old Clinton Road, and end at the Town Green. The parade will be held rain or shine.
Frazier Brinley, one of the organizers of the event, said that during the parade, there will be stops at the cemetery on Old Clinton Road, the cemetery on South Main Street, and on Clark’s Bridge.
“We will say a prayer and lay flowers at the graves of veterans in the cemetery,” Brinley said.
Jill Brainerd, the town’s HR specialist/facilities manager, said that people who are marching should show up at least 30 minutes prior to the event. Brainerd estimated the parade would take about 30 to 45 minutes to complete.
Brainerd said there will be a ceremony on the town green. Brinley said that while a program is still being drawn up for this year, the ceremony usually has a performance by the high school band and chorus as well as a lecture from the Westbrook Historical Society on a local veteran. Flowers are also laid on the monuments on the green.
“We’re always looking for veterans to be in the parade. Those interested can call the town hall at 860-399-3040, ext. 1111,” Brainerd said.
While most people may think of Memorial Day as a long weekend that marks the unofficial beginning of summer, Brainerd said it’s important to remember the reason for the day.
“A huge participate and appreciation would be appreciated to honor those who served and gave their lives,” Brainerd said.
Brainerd said that even those who do not wish to walk but just observe the parade would be appreciated.
“Even along the route. If people could come out and honor that way, it would be great,” Brainerd said.