The 238th Memorial Day parade in Barrington steps off on Monday, May 27 at 9:30 a.m.

Massing of Colors ceremonies, including raising of the flag, roll call of deceased veterans, placing of the wreath and Taps will begin at 8:30 at Victory Field Memorial Gates at Barrington High School. The event will be moved inside the school in the event of inclement weather.

Those participating in the parade should arrive by 9 a.m. and will be arranged in four divisions: recognition (officials), military honor, and the last two divisions made up of civic pride groups.

The parade historically draws thousands of spectators along the route that begins at Barrington High School, to Upland Way and down Maple Avenue and finally ends on the lawn in front of town hall.

Captain J. James Quinn, a retired officer in the Unites States Navy is this year's principal speaker and takes great pride in the annual parade.

"All of us need to take time and remember those who made the 'supreme sacrifice.' Many of us lost shipmates, relatives and friends who gave their life for the things we often take for granted like freedom of speech, freedom to worship as we choose, the right to freely elect those who represent us. Unfortunately there are many who never see these freedoms and may only dream of such rights. I see the parade as a celebration by we the living for the gift given and maintained by those who died," Captain Quinn said.

Col. Charles H. Brule (US Army, retired) will serve as master of ceremonies at town hall and Reverend Dean Perri, Pastor of Our lady of Loreto Church in East Providence will give the invocation. Barrington High School student Evan Shoaf will read the "Gettysburg Address" and fellow student Molly Williams will sing the Star Spangled Banner accompanied by the high school band. Ana Proulx will sing the Battle Hymn of the Republic.

— By Joan D. Warren