Biddeford-Saco Memorial Day ceremony will be held in Biddeford this year

The cities of Biddeford and Saco will once again be honoring fallen veterans during an annual Memorial Day remembrance ceremony at Waterhouse Field in Biddeford.

The Biddeford-Saco Memorial Day ceremony will take place on Monday, May 26, beginning at 10 a.m.

Organizers say this year’s ceremony will be “a heartfelt tribute to those who gave their lives in military service.”

Hosting the ceremony at Waterhouse Field will allow ample parking for community members, according to organizers.

“Holding the ceremony at the stadium gives us a special opportunity to come together in one place where everyone can clearly hear the speaker and enjoy the full band performances,” said Delilah Poupore, executive director of Heart of Biddeford, one of the event organizers. “With accessible parking and space for all generations to gather, we’re hoping for good weather and an even better turnout this year.”

Due to an ongoing major road construction project, event organizers say having a parade was not feasible this year because Main Street in both Biddeford and Saco cannot be closed to motorists.

The twin-city ceremony will be emceed by Kayla Lewis, a U.S. Navy veteran and local leader known for her work in community development and veteran advocacy.

Attendees will again be treated to musical performances by the Thornton Academy Marching Band, the Saco Middle School Band, and the combined Biddeford High School and Middle School bands, who will help set a reverent and patriotic tone.

This year’s guest speaker will be Don Chretien, a retired U.S. Marine Corps helicopter pilot and author from Biddeford.

The event will also recognize Grand Marshal
Raynald “Ray” Hallczuk, a Vietnam War
veteran and respected leader
in Biddeford’s veterans community.

Organizers say that Chretien’s remarks will be especially timely as 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War, making this year’s ceremony a particularly meaningful opportunity for remembrance and reflection.

The event will also recognize Grand Marshal Raynald “Ray” Hallczuk, a Vietnam War veteran and respected leader in Biddeford’s veteran community.

Earlier in the morning, a small contingent of veterans and city officials will carry out the traditional placement of memorial wreaths—first in the Saco River and later at Veterans Memorial Park—accompanied by brief pauses for Taps. A wreath is placed in the Saco River to honor those lost at sea and to recognize the service of Navy and Coast Guard members.

Residents are encouraged to arrive at the stadium prior to 10 a.m. to gather with neighbors and veterans in shared remembrance.

Prior to and after the ceremony, “touch a truck” vehicles and possibly classic cars will be on display near the stadium. Accessible and veterans’ parking will be available for free near the home team stadium seating at Waterhouse Field. Additional parking can be found on surrounding streets, with overflow free parking available at the JFK School parking lot nearby.

This ceremony is made possible with the coordination of Heart of Biddeford, with support from the American Legion, AmVets, Vietnam Veterans of America, the Mayor’s Veterans Committee, and city departments in both Biddeford and Saco.

Those who wish to volunteer are encouraged to sign up here are asked to visit this website: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1JRnmE5_tyieoCirrjTQ_DvmKj7W4D9mjkJDnzdibHPg/edit

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