Memorial Day Parades, Services Today

Mike Farinola, a Bronze Star recipient and a first lieutenant armor officer in lead command of a M1A1 Army tank platoon during the Gulf War, will be the featured speaker during the annual -sponsored on Monday, May 28.

Farinola, a Hampton Falls resident whose Bronze Star has a "V" device for valor, will give a keynote address during the local veterans organization's daylong tribute to while serving the United States.

The tributes begin at 8 a.m. Monday at the Hampton Beach War Memorial, which is also referred to as the Lady By the Sea, across from the intersection of Ocean Boulevard and A Street.

Post 35 and local veterans, color guards, buglers and military groups will then assemble at Wear Common in Hampton Falls at 9 a.m. for another remembrance ceremony.

At 10 a.m., the organizations and individuals will be a part of a parade through North Hampton to the for North Hampton's Memorial Day service.

There will be a parade through Hampton at 11 a.m. to High Street Cemetery, which will be decorated with countless American flags to honor the area's veterans. The parade starts at the old town hall parking lot on Winnacunnet Road and will travel up Winnacunnet Road, Lafayette Road and High Street to get to the cemetery.

The public events close with an "old fashioned picnic" and business open house in downtown Hampton from noon to 2 p.m. The Marelli Square-Depot Square celebration, sponsored by downtown businesses and business owners, is designed as a way for residents to check out some of downtown's new businesses and enjoy some good food, music, raffles and company.

On the menu for the cookout, which costs $5, is:

• Sweet potato salad
• Roasted poblano cornbread
• Brown sugar baked beans
• Barbecue chicken legs with a sweet red pepper glaze

The public is invited to attend any and all parts of the celebrations, according to American Legion Post 35.

"As always, this is the one day out the calendar year when we recognize the men and women who have given their lives for our country and our very freedom in ALL of American's conflicts and Wars," according to the Post 35 website.

Post 35 will also participate in several school assemblies to celebrate Memorial Day. The assemblies are scheduled for Friday, May 25, at the following times and locations: 8:30 a.m. at ; 8:30 a.m. at ; and 10:30 a.m. at .

Hampton and North Hampton town offices will be closed on Monday, May 28, in observance of Memorial Day.