MECHANIC FALLS — Mike Downing leaned over the bridge rail Monday to scatter petals of dried wildflowers upon the swift flowing Little Androscoggin River in special memory of those who served in the U.S. Navy.

A three-shot volley rang out as the petals were swept over the falls during the Memorial Day observance.

Downing, 1st vice commander of American Legion Post 150, delivered the keynote address, telling those gathered later at Maple Grove Cemetery that “Americans must remember that freedom isn’t free. In fact, it’s only possible because our fallen heroes have paid its high price.”

The day’s observance began at 9 a.m. with participants stepping out of the Legion Post’s headquarters on Elm Street and marching behind the town’s police cruisers. Parade participants included veterans and their families, a large number of local Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts and Brownies, a full company of baton twirlers, the Mechanic Falls Fire Department’s ladder truck and Rescue vehicle, and a few floats. People lined the route to watch.

The procession stopped to lay a wreath at the statue in Veterans Memorial Park, near the bridge where Downing did the honors.

The parade continued on to Andrews Cemetery off North Main Street where “Rusty” Russell, the post’s 2nd vice commander, and Julie Rowe, president of Post 150’s Auxiliary, with her veteran son, Andy, laid a second wreath.

The parade took a right on to Marshall Street for the half-mile march to the flagpole in the center of Maple Grove Cemetery for the formal services. Post Chaplain Commander Gary Purington led prayers, while Russell led the Pledge of Allegiance. Rozan Truman narrated a ceremony in remembrance of the nation’s prisoners of war and missing in action.

Services concluded with the playing of taps and a final three-shot volley. Afterward, all were invited to enjoy ice cream at Post 150 headquarters.