RUMFORD – For the first time since anyone can remember, Memorial Day in Rumford and Mexico won’t be marked with a parade.

Instead, wreaths will be placed at three veterans monuments in the two towns.

Robert Belanger, commander of American Legion Post 24 in Rumford, said memorial ceremonies in remembrance of fallen soldiers and sailors and other service people will be held at the monument in Rumford Center at 8:30 a.m., at the new veterans’ memorial at the rotary in Rumford at about 9 a.m., and at the veterans’ monument on the Mexico Greens at about 9:30 a.m.

Memorial Day this year is Monday, May 26.

Belanger said the parade’s cancellation was caused by a lack of participation. Most active American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars members are World War II veterans who are in their late 70s, 80s and 90s.

He said younger veterans aren’t taking the place of the older ones.

The Rumford American Legion annually hosts Memorial Day ceremonies while the local VFW organizes the annual Veterans Day ceremonies in November.

eadams@sunjournal.com