I spent many Memorial Days marching with the Oyster River High School Band in parades, and always looked forward to it. 

It always had a different feeling beforehand, not loose, like when the band was going to perform at a concert, but a more serious tone, that we were indeed doing our part to honor those who had paid the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

Every member of the band took this responsibility very seriously, and our best performances were on the parade route. I can still see some of the faces in the crowd as we marched down Main Street in Durham, looking at the band as though we were serving our Country, which I suppose in a way we were.

Do yourself a favor and attend a Memorial Day parade or event in your town if you can. Here are a few in the seacoast area:

Memorial Day - Monday, May 26

Dover - 1:00PM the parade will run west on Blackwell St. from Rutan Dr. to Hurd Park where the ceremonies will take place.

Durham - ALL DAY and starts at Mill Pond Rd.

Exeter - from 10:00AM to 11:00AM at Swasey Parkway.

Hampton - 11:00AM parade begins at Town Offices, travels down Winnacunnet, onto Rte 1 and up High Street to the High Street Cemetery.

North Hampton - 10:00AM parade begins at Town Library and concludes at the Town Offices.

Portsmouth - 1:00PM the parade at the corner of Junkins and Parrott Avenues. The parade will travel from Junkins to Pleasant Street, Pleasant through Market Square to Middle Street to Richards Avenue and end at the South Street Cemetery.

Rochester - 12:00PM parade starts at East Ave. and Alexander St. to Main St.; west on Main St. to Plymouth Ave.

Seabrook - 9:00AM ceremony begins with a parade to follow.

Strafford - 11:30AM parade begins at the Beaver Dam Estates entrance. The parade will conclude at the Bow Lake Dam area with a dedication ceremony to follow.

To those who have perished in the line of duty for America. Never Forget. Always Honor.

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