Memorial Day events set for Biddeford/Saco and Old Orchard Beach

Monday, May 25, is Memorial Day, a federal holiday held on the last Monday in May to honor those who died while serving the military.

Events are held locally and across the country to commemorate the day.

Biddeford/Saco

Community members are invited to attend the annual Biddeford and Saco Memorial Day Parade on Monday, May 25, starting on Main Street at Saco City Hall at 10 a.m. and finishing at Biddeford Veterans Memorial Park at 11 a.m.

Heart of Biddeford has coordinated this parade since 2012, and its executive director Delilah Poupore believes in the importance of honoring those who have served and died for our country.

“Biddeford and Saco veterans and community members always step up, work together, and give this ceremony and parade the support it deserves,” she said.

The opening ceremony on Main Street at Saco City Hall will be emceed by Saco Mayor, Jodi MacPhail. Biddeford Mayor, Liam LaFountain, will emcee the closing ceremony at Biddeford Veterans Memorial Park. Music will be provided by the Thornton Academy Marching Band, the Saco Middle School Band, and the Biddeford Marching Band.

This year’s Grand Marshall is Don Chretien, a retired U.S. Marine Corps helicopter pilot and author from Biddeford. The event will also recognize speaker Kayla Lewis, a U.S. Navy veteran and local leader known for her work in community development and veteran advocacy.

The parade will pause at General Nutting Bridge so veterans and city officials can carry out the traditional placement of a memorial wreath in the Saco River to honor those lost at sea and to recognize the service of Navy and Coast Guard members.

Residents are encouraged to gather along the parade route to share this moment with neighbors and veterans in shared remembrance.

The parade and ceremony are coordinated by Heart of Biddeford with support from the American Legion, AmVets, Vietnam Veterans of America, and city departments in both Biddeford and Saco.

Old Orchard Beach

Luminary Night will be held from 6:30 – 8 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Park on Sunday, May 24. The park walkways will be lined with luminary bags in honor of veterans. Luminary bags are available for purchase the night of the event, with proceeds benefiting renovations and repairs at Veterans Memorial Park.

The Old Orchard Beach Memorial Day Parade will be held on Monday, May 25. It will start at 1 p.m. at The Ballpark, then head down Saco Avenue toward downtown, turn right onto Old Orchard Street, and end at Veterans Memorial Park with a short ceremony to honor those who gave their lives while serving our country. After the ceremony, there will be a grand opening ceremony for the newly improved Veterans Memorial Park.

Saco Bay News Publisher Liz Gotthelf can be reached at newsdesk@sacobaynews.com.