OLD ORCHARD BEACH — After a pause last year near the start of the pandemic, this town’s traditional Memorial Day parade resumed on Monday, drawing large, festive crowds and culminating with a solemn ceremony at a park dedicated to those lost in battle.

Last year, the pandemic forced local organizers here to hold an abbreviated event. So despite Monday’s less-than-perfect weather, veterans’ groups were eager to return to the normal tradition.

“We were very disappointed we couldn’t have the regular parade last year,” said Rich Litwin, chaplin at VFW Post 7997. “We just felt it’s very important that we have this parade. We have to honor the vets that gave up their lives for the country.”

And as it turned out, the early afternoon parade benefited from lifting clouds and dry pavement. Improving conditions made it easier for participants and for the spectators who lined the route, waving flags and cheering.

In 2020, at the height of COVID-19 restrictions, limits on crowds larger than 10 forced the cancellation of traditional Memorial Day parades and ceremonies. This year, the combination of threatening weather and lingering concerns around the pandemic led organizers in some communities to make alternate plans.

For instance: Brunswick-Topsham, Cape Elizabeth and Falmouth held virtual remembrances. In Portland, a one-man march down Congress Street was conducted by the American Legion. Two wreaths were laid at City Hall. And in what may signal an ongoing trend, Biddeford and Saco held a public ceremony, which also was live-streamed to a wider audience.

The parade here began at The Ballpark and followed Saco Avenue to Old Orchard Street before ending at Memorial Park.

For Conrad Letellier, president of the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 1044, it was an opportunity for people to recognize the service and sacrifices of a force now dwindling in numbers. Maine once had five Vietnam-era chapters, Letellier said. Now there’s only one, based in Biddeford, with 187 members. And they were consolidated from other chapters.

Spectators line the street for Old Orchard Beach’s Memorial Day parade Monday. “We just felt it’s very important that we have this parade,” said Rich Litwin, chaplin at VFW Post 7997. “We have to honor the vets that gave up their lives for the country.” Brianna Soukup/Staff Photographer

A Marine who was awarded the Purple Heart, Letellier wore a vest with a patch that read: “Everyday of freedom is Veterans Day.”

Richard Doyle, the chapter’s vice president, said his chapter wants to stay active as long as possible, “so one generation will not forget another.”

The Vietnam veterans joined a procession that included VFW Post 9779, along with state commander Michael “Keith” Davis; town police and fire departments, the town’s middle school and high school bands; area little league teams; various Kora Shriner mobile entertainment units, such as the Crazy Cops; the Dunlap Highland Band and the Old Orchard Beach lawn mower drill team.

At the head of the parade was Gold Star Mother Nancy Kelley. Her son, Army Capt. Christopher Scott Cash, was killed in battle in Iraq in 2004.

“This is my day to honor him,” she said, moments before the parade began.

Wearing a black coat set off by a flag-themed scarf and carrying a small American flag adorned with a poppy, Kelley reflected on the support and affection she has received from the community. She was thankful the event went on this year and was focused on its enduring message.

“Sometimes on Memorial Day,” she said, “simpler is better. Red, white and blue. It’s a solemn day.”

At the park, Kelley led a wreath-placing ceremony at the granite memorial that stands atop a small hill at the edge of the park.

Evana Jones, center, watches Old Orchard Beach’s Memorial Day parade with her family. They came from New Hampshire for the holiday weekend. Brianna Soukup/Staff Photographer

Davis, the state VFW commander who also spoke at the ceremony, echoed Kelly’s sentiment.

“I think it’s important any time you can honor our fallen, which is what Memorial Day is,” he said. “When you don’t have it, people start to forget.”

Davis, who lives in Auburn, noted that the traditional parade was cancelled this year in the Twin Cities. But a ceremony on Saturday at Veterans Memorial Park in Lewiston included the unveiling of a Goldstar Families’ Monument and a bench.

“Surely, we’ll be celebrating Memorial Day in a big way in 2022,” Jerry Dewitt, chairman of the Lewiston and Auburn Veterans Council told the Sun Journal. “One can only hope that all our wonderful local traditions will return and we’ll appreciate them more than ever after being without them for such a long stretch.”

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