LEWISTON — On Feb. 7, Cub Scout Pack 111 in Auburn reached the end of a meaningful service project honoring victims of a shocking tragedy that greatly affected its hometown and nation seven decades earlier. Along the way, the scouts learned that a small group of dedicated people can make a big difference.

The pack, joined by members of the community, gathered for a special ceremony at the chapel mausoleum of St. Peter’s Cemetery in Lewiston on Saturday morning to remember the 17 victims lost in the tragic Lacoste Babies Home fire in New Auburn on Jan. 31, 1945. The ceremony, originally planned for the actual 70th anniversary of the fire, was moved to Feb. 7 as a result of inclement weather.

Each scout recited the name of one of the victims and placed a flower in their honor on one of the two bronze plaques that list the 16 children and one adult who died in the fire. Several relatives of the victims were in attendance.

“Lord God, ever caring, loving and gentle, bless this sacred place and these little ones, quickened to life for so short a time and enfold them in your merciful love,” said Deacon Denis Mailhot during the ceremony. “Lord, by the power of the Holy Spirit, we bless this memorial that it may be a sign to us of our need for your grace and love.”

Among the babies who died were children of servicemen and war workers. In honor of the parents who were fulfilling their patriotic duty at the time of the tragedy, several of the scouts posted the colors in honor of their sacrifices.

The service project began two years ago under the direction of Cameron Hartley, the leader of Pack 111 which is based in Auburn. Hartley’s aunt was an infant who perished in the fire, and upon learning that many of the victims were buried in unmarked graves around Maine, he decided to act.

Hartley and Pack 111 held a fundraising campaign, including a candy sale and a bottle drive, to purchase grave markers for the victims, 14 of whom are buried at St. Peter’s Cemetery. The pack met its financial goal and timing deadline to have the grave markers in place and the plaques completed by the 70th anniversary of the tragedy. In the spring, one of the bronze plaques will be installed at St. Peter’s Cemetery while the other will be permanently displayed at Auburn City Hall.