Somewhere among the waving flags and the children reaching for candy thrown from decorated floats, amid the hum and sputter of fire engines and antique tractors, and in the salutes of veterans sitting in pristine sports cars, one could sense the true meaning of Memorial Day along the streets of Windham.
“It’s good to see people come together to honor the fallen,” says John Williams, one of the many spectators watching the procession which began at the routes 202/302 rotary and wound its way a mile and a half towards the High School.
The procession also included Windham grade-schoolers, the Girl Scouts, a swing-band blasting away in a hay-cart pulled by a tractor, and two military carriers secured from the Maine National Guard.
“I just like the floats,” says Danielle Breton, 10, savoring some candy, “and the cars.” Danielle’s mother, Jennifer, added, “We just love honoring the veterans.”
Many in attendance said that although the parade was enjoyable, they would like to see it grow.
“I like everyone coming out,” says Maureen Greenlaw, another spectator, “and I would like to see more people.”
Dinah Aldrich, a Windham resident, recommended that “we should hold a contest in which neighborhoods would compete against each other for the best float…kids would jump all over that.”
David Tanguay, Commander of the American Legion Post 148 and the man who put it all together, agrees.
“We keep looking for variety,” he said. “I’d love to have antique cars, an equestrian section and maybe even color guards. We definitely need more participation.”
Although not as grandiose as some parades in bigger towns and cities, residents of Windham, some relaxing in folding chairs and others standing with children perched atop their shoulders celebrating the sacrifice of American soldiers, still believe their parade’s got heart.
“The town really came together,” said Leo Verrill, a Navy veteran since 1955. “It was really clean-looking,” he said. “It’s really improving every year.”
During the commencement of the parade held at the Windham High School, Tanguay took to the podium and introduced several speakers including Councilor Robert Muir, chairman of the Windham Town Council, and State Representative Gary Plummer.
During the commencement, there was flag-burning ceremony in which all retired flags were placed on a platform and set alight.
“The true value of the flag,” said Tanguay, “is beyond price.”
The Windham High School band and a grade school chorus performed in addition to a reef-laying ceremony that was followed by a twenty-one gun salute and taps. A C130, an enormous military plane, thundered over the crowd and tipped its wing before disappearing over the horizon.
Also in attendance were Staff Sergeant Christopher Barnaby and Specialist Zachary Garrison, members of the Maine National Guard who served in Mosul, Iraq.
“This is the first time I stayed all the way through,” said Barnaby. “I really enjoyed the dedication.” Garrison agreed, adding, “It’s an incredible way to honor those who serve overseas.”
Windham schoolchildren observe a traditional flag-burning ceremony during Windham’s Memorial Day parade on Monday.Send questions/comments to the editors.
