Marching in Honor: Rain Can't Dampen Memorial Day Parade

It was questionable Monday morning whether the Memorial Day parade scheduled would march between rain drops. Thunder, lightning and a heavy downpour right up until start time threatened comfort levels for all.

At 10:30 a.m. the weather took a positive turn, and parade goers who braved the gray skies were delighted to put aside their umbrellas.

Many lined the streets happy to show support for the school marching bands, flag twirlers, cheerleaders, American Legion, Elks, girl and boy scout troops, Daughters of the American Revolution, The National Guard, motorcyclists, police and firefighters who marched on unencumbered by rain.

"We got here late because we thought the event may have been cancelled due to the weather," said Claudette Levesque, a retired teacher from South End School. "It's always been a joy for us to see so many participate."

"I would walk even if it rained," said Karen Grover, Chaplain of American Legion Auxiliary. "Soldiers have walked through fire and more for us. A lot of people came out today because it's one way to show how very proud we are of our service men and women."

Following the parade, the crowd gathered by American Legion Post in honor of to hear peayers, comments from local officials and a statement from Jennifer Magnoli on 'What Memorial Day Means To Me.'