NEW GLOUCESTER — Honoring America’s military on Memorial Day, hundreds of people gathered along a milelong-plus parade route from Memorial School to the Lunn Hunnewell AMVETS Post 6 hall on Route 100.

Gold Star mothers, Gray-New Gloucester middle and high schools bands and AMVETS gathered at the site of the future veterans memorial in Upper Gloucester.  They were joined by other veterans, local youth teams, scouts, politicians and the New Gloucester Fire Department.

“Memorial Day is the special day for America when we remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice in the name of freedom,” Robert Wotherspoon Jr., commander of AMVETS Post 6. “Americans should remember that freedom is not free,” he said.

Speakers at the solemn ceremony were reminded of the historical significance of the day of tribute to fallen soldiers.

State Rep. Ellie Espling, R-New Gloucester, said, “Our country leaders do not go into war easily, but to protect a free nation.”

New Gloucester sent more than 1,000 into military wars, said state Sen. John Cleveland, D-Auburn.

“It is appropriate to remember the many who gave their lives and the sacrifice from families,” he said.