Memorial Day events in Thomaston will take place on Monday, May 26, 2025, with a full schedule of services and a parade.

The day will begin at 7:00 a.m. with the Thomaston Liederkrantz performing at the cemeteries. At 8:00 a.m., a service will be held at Hillside Cemetery, followed by a visit to Reeves Field for the laying of a wreath in honor of Thomas Reeves, a Medal of Honor recipient killed at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. Additional observances will take place at St. Thomas Cemetery at approximately 8:10 a.m., then at Seth Thomas Park and the Thomaston Fire Department.

The parade is scheduled to begin at 10:00 a.m., forming behind Thomaston Middle School at 9:30 a.m. The route will proceed along Main Street and Center Street to Hillside Cemetery, where a ceremony will take place in memory of deceased naval service members. Miss Columbia for 2025, Gwyneth Romanzi, will be accompanied by her court: Jacqueline Phillips and Emily Morton. Escorts will include Mason Allen, Erti Shkrepi, and Justin Dionne. The ceremony at the pond will include a flower tribute from a rowboat, a dove release, a military salute, and the playing of Taps. A photograph from the 1920 Miss Columbia ceremony is shown below, offering a glimpse into the over 100-year tradition.

After the cemetery observance, the parade will continue along Meadow Street, Elm Street, and East Main Street to Veterans’ Memorial Park. Veterans are asked to wear their medals, and those with medals or photographs of deceased veterans are encouraged to place them at the Civil War Monument before the ceremony begins.

At the park, Miss Columbia and her aides will read General Logan’s Orders. The names of Thomaston servicemembers whose burial locations are unknown will be read, and flags will be placed in their memory. Thomaston High School seniors will read the names of residents who were killed in action. The Gettysburg Address will be delivered by eighth-grader Colton Chasse. Wreaths will be placed by the VFW Auxiliary and the American Legion, followed by a salute and final benediction.

Following the ceremonies, refreshments will be available at the American Legion Hall on Elm Street.

If there is rain, all Memorial Day ceremonies will be held indoors at 10:00 a.m. at the Thomaston Opera House.