Cub Scouts from Leeds Pack 150 placed a wreath at the Leeds Veterans’ Memorial. In the foreground is the stone given to the town in memory of PFC Tyler J. Smith.

Leeds remembers Pfc. Tyler Smith

LEEDS – Approximately two dozen people gathered at the Leeds Memorial Park in observance of Veterans Day on Nov. 9. Laura Juraska, president of the Leeds Historical Society, which coordinated the program, welcomed the group.

She introduced members of the Leeds Senior Girl Scout Troop 664: Kristen Capen, Alexis White and Katie Kirk. The Scout color guard raised the flag at the park and gave a brief explanation of the values symbolized by the colors of the flag.

Leeds resident Pat Flewelling then read two poems honoring the men and women who have given their lives for their country.

Flewelling introduced Martin and Wendy Smith and presented the town with a stone in memory of their son, PFC Tyler J. Smith, who grew up in Leeds, later moved to Bethel, and was killed in Iraq on March 21, 2008.

Flewelling, who had been both a neighbor and teacher of Pvt. Smith, described Tyler as “a really good Maine kid who grew up to be a great Maine man.” She added that “he loved fast cars and working with his dad in his construction business.”

Alexis White played “Amazing Grace,” and the stone was placed in the ground at the Memorial Monument with others commemorating the lives of Leeds residents who have served in the military.

The Rev. Diane Hoppe Hugo of the Leeds Community Church then said a few words about Veteran’s Day and shared reflections on war and peace and the sacrifices asked of men and women to achieve peace. She ended by leading the group in a prayer.

Members of Leeds Cub Scout Troop 150 placed a memorial wreath on the monument, and Alexis White played “Taps” to conclude the observance.