LEWISTON – Jeanne Raymond knows her grandson craves macaroni and cheese. She knows he longs for a hot shower and a cold drink, and she knows he looks forward to spring.

Raymond knows these things because she receives letters from Iraq, where Lance Cpl. Derek Richardson is engaged in some of the war’s fiercest fighting.

“He’s fighting four days at a time and he has two days off,” Richardson said. “It’s cold in Fallujah now. They are wearing long underwear.”

Raymond and others shared their letters from the war Tuesday night in a ceremony at City Hall. In a letter read in front of the group, Richardson explains how he has a wicked yen for macaroni and cheese – Kraft brand, specifically.

The 24-year-old also encourages his grandmother to not worry so much. As many as 40,000 people die in the U.S. every day, he points out.

“Maybe I should be worried about you guys,” Richardson wrote in the letter.

A group of about three dozen people gathered at City Hall to share their hopes and concerns as Christmas approaches while loved ones remain overseas.

Sheila Desgrosseilliers read a letter from her son’s commanding officer. The letter was sent just before Maj. Todd Desgrosseilliers was sent into Fallujah, where fighting has been intense.

“I am proud and humble to serve alongside him,” the officer wrote.

At City Hall, relatives of soldiers were joined by city leaders, veterans and others to honor the men and women fighting in Iraq. They emphasized the importance of mail, both to and from the soldiers, as the war continues.

“Most of the veterans know what the men and women in the military are going through because we have been there,” said Bert Dutil, a veteran of the Korean War. He described mail from home as “the most important thing” for a solider in battle.

Lewiston Mayor Lionel Guay hosted the reception. He praised the community for sending mail to soldiers and for supporting their families at home.

“You are not alone,” Guay said. “We too are proud of your loved ones’ service to their country. And we, too, look forward to their return.”

One by one, men, women and teenagers approached the podium to express gratitude to the soldiers. Representatives of Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins read remarks from the respective senators.

Youth advisers read their comments. Patriotic songs were sung.

“It’s just really lifted my spirits to have my city do this,” Raymond said. “You’ve just been spectacular.”

That’s the whole idea, according to Guay. More receptions are planned, and more letters from the war will be read. The aim is to provide comfort for the loved ones of soldiers as the war continues.

“Maybe, just maybe,” Guay said, “it will provide a few calm moments for you as you await your next letter from the war.”