Skies might have been gray and misty on Monday, but that didn’t dampen Dartmouth’s spirits as spectators of all ages lined the sidewalks of Padanaram to watch the annual Memorial Day Parade.

While there were some concerns about weather heading into the holiday weekend, Veterans Advisory Board Chair Chris Pereira said that rain or shine, the Veteran’s Advisory Board would do something to honor those who lost their lives in combat.

“Such a solemn occasion — a day where we look at our lives and the lives that were lost so we may live our lives,” he said. “We must never fail them in honoring and remembering them.” 

Mostly maskless crowds cheered on police, firefighters, veterans, civic and veterans organizations as they paraded along the route through Padanaram and up Elm Street. 

Music also made a return, as members of the Dartmouth High marching band, accompanied by seventh and eighth grade musicians, lent their talents to the procession.

“It really worked out great,” Pereira said. “The parade was basically like normal.” 

Along with the parade, officials also made stops at the Elm Street Cemetery for a 21-gun salute and at the old police station for the singing of the national anthem and the reading of the names of Dartmouth’s fallen since World War I.

Substitute teacher Nancy Jordan said the parade was something she was looking forward to for a while.

“It’s so important to honor our vets — we need this,” she added. “We need to be invigorated and inspired.”

Ed Pimental, who served in Vietnam in 1969, said he was very happy that the parade returned in full. The Dartmouth resident added that it was especially touching to see how many people came out to give their support on the misty Monday.

“We’ve been through a very tough year — it’s nice to see people back out and doing stuff,” he said. “Hopefully things straighten out and continue to get better in this world.”