SKOWHEGAN — The annual Memorial Day parade is set for 10 a.m. Monday, but don’t expect to see political campaigning or anti-war demonstrators in it.

Steve Spaulding, commander of the American Legion and the VFW posts that are organizing the parade, said Memorial Day is about remembering veterans, not about politics.

“This holiday is different,” according to Spaulding, who is also a Skowhegan selectman. “If it was a Log Days parade or the Fourth of July, that’s a whole different celebration. It’s not the time and place for that. We’re just honoring veterans past and present.”

“Parade organizers do reserve the right to not allow certain floats and or groups from walking in the parade if they deem the float or group to be not supportive of the veteran-appreciation focus,” according to Cory King, parade coordinator and executive director of the Skowhegan Area Chamber of Commerce, in a release.

“Political signs supporting specific candidates will not be allowed on any floats or groups as has been the guideline in years past,” King said in the release.

Spaulding said anyone wearing a political button will be asked to take it off if they want to march in the parade.

Skowhegan Planning Board Chairman Donald Skillings, a Republican who is challenging Democrat Jeff McCabe for House District 85 this year, said he will march in the parade, not as a candidate, but in support of veterans. He thinks it would be unfair for current office holders to march, but not the challengers.

“The original ruling by Steve Spaulding was that someone seeking office could not walk in the parade — just to walk, without any signs,” Skillings said. “I said that’s not showing support for the veterans. They said that we can now march, but no campaign stuff, which I 100 percent agree with.”

The roughly 30 minute parade will begin at the corner of Madison Avenue and Dyer Street, head south into downtown and end at Veterans Memorial Park on Water Street next to the Skowhegan municipal building.

A ceremony at the park honoring veterans will led by the Rev. Mark Tanner of the Federated Church.

The ceremony will include readings, music and a featured presentation by David Richards of the Margaret Chase Smith Library. The grand marshal for this year’s parade is Frances Norman.

Parade organizers said anyone interested in participating in the parade can contact the chamber office at 474-3621.

Doug Harlow — 612-2367

dharlow@centralmaine.com

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