BELFAST — It was picture-perfect spring weather for the Memorial Day Parade May 27, a welcome change from the many damp and dreary days Midcoast Maine has been experiencing recently. 

The ceremonies began at 9 a.m., when a wreath was laid at Frank D. Hazeltine American Legion Post 43, which was followed by a 21-gun salute and the playing of “Taps.”

At 9:45 a.m. a service was held at Randall Collins Veterans of Foreign Wards Post 3108, which also featured a wreath laying, 21-gun salute, and performance of “Taps.”

The annual Memorial Day Parade kicked off at 11 a.m. when it left Reny’s Shopping Center and proceeded down Main Street to the waterfront, where another ceremony was held, including speakers from Legion Post 43, VFW Post 3108, and Senator Erin Herbig, among others. A moment of silence was held before a wreath was laid in Belfast’s bay, which was followed by a 21-gun salute, and a performance of “Taps.”  

Memorial Day, considered by many to be the “official” start of summer, is a federal holiday for both remembering and honoring those who have died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. It is observed on the last Monday in May.

Pictures from Belfast’s final Memorial Day ceremony. 

Erica Thoms can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com