Veterans Day services planned for Farmington, Wilton

FARMINGTON — American Legion Post 28 will begin its Veterans Day services at 11 a.m. at the World War I Monument on Main Street, according to Legion District Commander for Franklin County Charles Bennett.

From there, the observance continues at Meetinghouse Park with prayer and wreaths to be placed, he said.

The Post, located on the corner of Middle and High streets, will then offer a beef stew lunch following the services and prior to an annual celebration held at Wal-Mart starting at 1 p.m. The public is welcome to the luncheon at the Post, he added.

Starting at 1 p.m. under the flag at the Farmington store, the color guard, young marines and special guests including Peter Mills, candidate for governor, and others will participate in the program.

Three ladies, called the Freeport Flag Ladies, will participate in the ceremony, Bennett said. The three stand on the street waving flags in Freeport every Tuesday.

Lt. Col. Michael Backus from the Maine Air and Army National Guard will bring greetings. The Sandy River Young Marines and American Legion will present a portion on the Fallen Soldier Program.

A bagpipe tribute will be given by Bob Underwood, and Sammie Angel, a Dixfield singer, will provide a musical selection.

Members of the community will honor veterans and state Rep. Tom Saviello, U-Wilton, will make comments.

All are welcome to the service.

In Wilton, a Wilton Veterans Day Observance begins at 9 a.m. at Monument Square, downtown.

Along with the laying of a wreath and recognition of veterans, past and present, speakers will include Backus and Saviello.

Boy Scout Troop 518 will provide a color guard. The Revs. Doug Dunlap and Timothy Walmer will assist.

This is the second consecutive observance in Wilton since tradition of a Veterans Day event was revived last year.
The public is welcome and the observance will be held rain or shine.

abryant@sunjournal.com