Memorial Day marks the unofficial beginning of the summer season in Maine and around the country. It is the time to remember those who have passed on whether in war or otherwise.
Most people decorate the grave sites of their loved ones with flowers during the weekend.
It also is a time for families to get together for picnics, ball games and other early summer activities. Regardless of the way people choose to observe Memorial Day, the purpose of the day is the same, and has been since 1868. After the Civil War many people in the North and South decorated graves of fallen soldiers with flowers. Memorial Day was originally called Decoration Day from 1868 until 1882 when the name was changed to Memorial Day and honored veterans of all wars. People in the towns of Wiscasset, Dresden, and Woolwich honored their fallen soldiers each in their own way, on Monday, May 28.