LISBON – The Maine Vietnam Veterans Vigil Committee, led by President Bill Thomas, a life member of VFW Post 9459, conducted a POW/MIA “Tree of Life” ceremony at the VFW recently.

Teresa Getchell was present at the ceremony to honor her late husband, Lt. Col. Paul E. Getchell. Getchell, an Air Force pilot from Portland, was listed as a POW/MIA from the Vietnam War since Jan 13, 1969. He was retired from the list of POW/MIAs from Maine after his remains were discovered.

The committee has a float with a chair with helmet on it for each Vietnam veteran that is missing from Maine. Thomas presented Getchell with the chair, helmet and bracelets that everyone wore honoring her husband all these years.

The committee has been conducting the ceremonies for more than 30 years all over the state.

Anyone who would like to become a member or the Maine Vietnam Veterans Vigil Committee or would like to learn more may contact Thomas at [email protected] or call him at 353-2152.