The communities of Biddeford and Saco are invited to the Memorial Day ceremony and parade on Monday, May 29, to honor the men and women who died while serving in the US military.

The communities of Biddeford and Saco are invited to the Memorial Day ceremony and parade on Monday, May 29. Courtesy photo/Heart of Biddeford

The day begins with a brief opening ceremony prior to the 10 a.m. kick-off at Biddeford’s Veterans Memorial Park, on the corner of Alfred and Pool streets. Immediately following the ceremony, the parade will proceed from Biddeford’s Alfred Street to Main Street, then on to Saco’s Main Street.

The parade concludes at the C.K. Burns School on Middle Street in Saco, with a full closing ceremony.

The closing ceremony will feature guest speaker Michael Gibney, US Air Force (retired). Grand marshal will be Gene Foster, US Navy (retired). The Rev. Whittemore, of Saco’s Unitarian Universalist Church, will serve as the chaplain for the ceremony.

The parade honors veterans and veterans organizations and will include performances from the Thornton Academy Band, Seacoast Marching Band of Biddeford and Old Orchard Beach, and a combined Saco and Biddeford middle school band. Many local organizations, scouting troops and dance troops will also participate.

Since 2014, Heart of Biddeford has collaborated with local veterans organizations to host parades to honor those who serve or have served the country, as well as to build connections in the community of Biddeford and Saco. “Our local veterans organizations appreciate the involvement of the whole community,” said Heart of Biddeford Executive Director Delilah Poupore in an email. “We’re hoping for a great turnout to honor those who have died in service.”

The community is invited to AmVets Post 1 in Biddeford for luncheon following the parade.

The parade is rain or shine. However, if conditions are forecast to be more severe, an indoor location for the ceremony will be announced on Friday, May 26.

For more information about the parade, call Heart of Biddeford at 207-284-8520 or email office@heartofbiddeford.org.