Memorial Day events in Thomaston will take place on Monday, May 25, 2026, with a full schedule of ceremonies, a parade, and a community bike decorating contest.

The day will begin with the Thomaston Liederkranz singing at St. Thomas Cemetery at 7:30 a.m. and at Hillside Cemetery at 8:00 a.m. The first service will take place at Hillside Cemetery at the grave of Clifford R. French, for whom Post 22 is named.

The second service will be held at Reeves Field, where a wreath will be laid in honor of Thomas Reeves, a World War II radioman killed during the attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941, who was posthumously awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor. Additional services will follow at St. Thomas Cemetery, Seth Thomas Park, and the Thomaston Fire Department.

The Memorial Day parade will form behind Thomaston Center School at 9:30 a.m. and step off at 10:00 a.m. Residents who would like to participate in the community bike decorating contest are invited to decorate bicycles, scooters, wagons, or strollers and join the parade lineup behind the school. Trophies and prizes will be awarded at Veterans Memorial Park at the end of the ceremonies for three age groups: ages 4 to 7, 8 to 11, and 12 to 14.

The parade route will proceed along Main Street and Center Street to Hillside Cemetery for ceremonies honoring the naval deceased. Miss Columbia for 2026, Abigail Sedgwick, will be rowed around the pond by U.S. Army veteran Benjamin Hotchkiss. Her court includes Makenzie Chasse and Brianna Ronalter, with escorts Tyler Veronesi, Lucas Koval, and G Hungerford. After flowers are strewn on the waters, Doves of Peace will be released, followed by a volley from the American Legion firing squad and the playing of Taps.

A photograph from the 1920 Miss Columbia ceremony is shown below, offering a glimpse into the more than 100-year tradition.

Photo credit: Thomaston Historical Society

After the cemetery observance, the parade will continue along Meadow Street, Elm Street, and East Main Street to Veterans Memorial Park. At Veterans Memorial Park, Miss Columbia and her attendants will read General Logan’s Orders. The names of Thomaston servicemembers whose burial locations are unknown will be read, and flags will be placed around the Civil War Monument in their memory. Thomaston High School seniors will read the names of Thomaston veterans killed in action, and Thomaston eighth grade student Brennan Sedgwick will deliver the Gettysburg Address. The VFW Auxiliary and the American Legion will place wreaths, followed by a firing squad volley, Taps, and a benediction.

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

In the event of rain, the ceremonies will take place at 10:00 a.m. at the Thomaston Opera House.