PORTLAND — The Doughty family staked out a prime parade-watching spot at the corner of Congress and Federal streets Monday morning.

Nine family members, including a great-granddaughter, sported red, white and blue outfits. The family erupted in cheers when their patriarch, the Rev. Bill Doughty, came into sight at the head of Portland’s Memorial Day parade.

Additional Photos

Veterans and marching bands parade down Congress Street in Portland on Monday. Photos by Shawn Patrick Ouellette/Staff Photographer

Reid Haile, 2, left, and Henry Haile, 5, of Westbrook show their patriotic spirit as they watch the Memorial Day parade in Portland on Monday.

Members of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6859 in Portland from left, Todd Mitchell, Steve San Pedro, Bob Bernard and Rick Cobb, prepare to march in the parade. The VFW post's chaplain, the Rev. Bill Doughty, was grand marshal of Monday's parade.

A local softball league is represented by some flag-waving players Monday. The parade included color guards from veterans organizations, bands from Portland and Deering high schools, a flotilla of pageant queens, and Scout groups.

Duncan Holt, 4, of Portland has a nice view courtesy of his father, Chris Holt, as his mother, Nicole Holt, applauds.

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“Yea, grand marshal. Bravo, grand marshal,” the group chanted as Doughty exited the silver Mercedes coupe he was riding in.

The Doughtys were among hundreds of people who lined the parade route from Longfellow Square to Monument Square in Portland to honor those who died in military service.

The parade included color guards from veterans organizations, bands from Portland and Deering high schools, a flotilla of pageant queens, packs of Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, and a long line of fire trucks and law enforcement vehicles.

Jason and Jennifer Dubail and their 4-year-old twin daughters, Winnie and Lucy, said they drove in from Gorham to show their patriotism and honor the war dead.

“My 19-year-old brother is in the Army,” said Jason Dubail.

Eleven members of the Mariski, Lamontagne and LaBrecque familes from Portland gathered in a group along the route, all of them in patriotic colors.

“We come every year,” said Julie Mariski, dressed in a red-striped shirt, blue pants and big straw hat.

Doughty, chaplain with the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6859, called on observers to honor the Army of the Occupation for making order out of the chaos left in Europe after World War II. Doughty, who served in World War II, said the Army of the Occupation did its job quietly and efficiently.

“The people I honor today are heroes you won’t hear about unless you read history books,” he said.

Wreaths were placed on the Portland Soldiers and Sailors Monument in Monument Square before the crowd dispersed.

Later Monday, a plaque was unveiled in the Portland Police Department courtyard at 109 Middle St. The plaque serves as a memorial to the 16 officers who lost their lives while serving in the department, said Portland Police Chief James Craig.

“While this gesture pales in comparison to the sacrifices these 16 officers made in service to the city of Portland, the plaque will serve as a daily reminder, not only for the department but for the city,” he said.

Staff Writer Beth Quimby can be contacted at 791-6363 or at: bquimby@pressherald.com

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