It's Bill, 6/1/25: Lubec's Memorial Day

A Timeless Tribute in a Timeless Town

All holidays are unique, by definition, as is Lubec’s. Memorial Day in Lubec is just like the town itself, old fashioned, traditional, appreciating life, respectful of the past, looking forward to the future. In celebrating Memorial Day, Lubec is fortunate to have an active American Legion as well as to have the nearby USCG Station in Eastport.

A Town Rooted in Remoteness

There are many facets to Lubec’s remarkable qualities. Lubec’s location is primary to preserving its traditional values, especially its remoteness. Being basically untouched and unchanged by the outside world has enabled Lubec to quietly maintain its identity with the past. Not only is Lubec the Easternmost Town in the USA with The Easternmost Point, it abuts the Canadian border. Lubec is an international point of arrival and departure to Campobello, New Brunswick, Canada. Many of our residents have dual citizenships as well as relations on both sides of the border.

Honoring the Past: Memorial Day Ceremonies

Memorial Day in Lubec brings its remarkable heritage into focus. Lubec has a Memorial Day Program every year. Like Lubec itself, the program is basically unchanged. There are 3 separate ceremonies. The program starts off at 9:00 AM at the 19thc Village Cemetery, across from the Lubec Historical Society, overlooking Johnson Bay. Flags are carried and presented, followed by a prayer from a local pastor. A wreath is placed on a stand while taps play. A standing audience of over 50 from both sides of the border respectfully look on. The program then moves to the Civil War cemetery with its Maine granite statue of a Union soldier. Flags, prayer, wreath presentation, taps, are repeated.

A Ceremony on the Water

The cemetery ceremonies now move to Roosevelt International Bridge. Participants walk up to the apex of the bridge, just at the USA-Canada boundary. The views of Lubec and Campobello are outstanding, along with Canadian and US Lighthouse views. West Quoddy Station can be seen to the southeast. Looking to the north, a 47’ US Coast Guard Motor Life Boat approaches from Eastport, stopping at the Lubec town dock to pick up dignitaries. The boat approaches the bridge slowly, glides under it, turns around and holds its position in the strong tide. Flags presented, prayer, and the pastor tosses the wreath into the outgoing tide. A solemn moment is shared as all watch the wreath go out sea while taps play.

Coming Together in Community

After the International Bridge ceremony, participants and friends gather at The American Legion, Stuart Green Post 65 at the American Legion Hall, Route 189, Lubec, Maine. The community sits together to enjoy light refreshments provided Post 65’s Women’s Auxiliary including coffee, water, ginger ale with small sandwiches, sweets and cookies. We all shared memories.