MINOT – The Minot All Veterans Memorial dedication was held on Sept. 3. The chain of events started several years ago when a Minot student asked why the town didn’t have a veterans memorial. The Minot Historical Society, with town meeting approval, agreed to take on the project.

Hester Gilpatric, president of the Minot Historical Society, gave the welcome. Frances Lodge, pastor of West Minot Union Church, offered the opening prayer, and American Legion Post 150 presented the colors.

Girl Scout Junior Troop 1604 led the Pledge of Allegiance and Donna Berry and her grandson, Bradley Sperl, performed “America the Beautiful” as a cello duet. Don Verrill, Air Force veteran, former selectman, and Andover Communications site chief, gave the history of the memorial project.

James Woodman Brown, service commander, Department of Maine Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, stressed the importance of town veterans memorials and the task for future generations to maintain them.

Gary Purington, past Post 150 commander, congratulated the society, those who donated time and money and Minot for the completed memorial. Beverly Spofford, secretary of the Minot Historical Society, read the list of donors to date.

Rhonda Irish, town administrator, accepted the monument on behalf of residents and pledged to provide perpetual maintenance. The Girl Scouts led the singing of “My Country Tis of Thee.”

Those interested in documenting family veterans data can submit it to Spofford, including the branch of service, service dates, job title and photos to be entered into the Minot All Veterans Memorial notebook.

Lodge welcomed everyone for refreshments and fellowship following the benediction. Decorations and refreshments were provided by the Hebron Historical Society. Paul Lodge filmed the dedication.