Veterans Day services were held in Jay, Livermore and Livermore Falls on Friday to remember and honor those who have served the country.
Members of George Bunten American Legion Post 10, Frank L. Mitchell Veterans of Foreign War Post 3335 and Lane-Dube AMVETS Post 33 and their auxiliaries were among those participating.
At each stop, local residents joined the group to remember America’s servicemen and women, especially those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.
Color guard members Roland Therrien, John Dube, Mike Simoneau and Don LeSuer led the march to the center of the Livermore Falls Memorial bridge. The Rev. Don LeSuer prayed, asking that the lives of brave warriors were not lost in vain. Marlene Walker and John Dube dropped a wreath into the Androscoggin River to remember those who served or lost their lives at sea.
AMVETS firing squad members David O. Smith, Chris McDonald, Jim White, Ted Soucy, Bob Roy, Dick Moreau, Billy Therrien and George St. Pierre, under the direction of Greg McDonald, gave a 21-gun salute at each service. Old Crow Indian Band director Paul Harnden played taps.
At the Brettun’s Memorial in Livermore, Donald McLennan joined the Color Guard with the POW-MIA flag. Don Simoneau gave the prayer. Reginald Tardif laid the wreath at the base of the monument, which remembers those veterans buried in unmarked graves.
At Union Park in Livermore Falls, Carrie Therrien, Eli Timler, Kassidy Therrien and Melody Therrien looked for names on the World War II Monument prior to the start of the service there.
Nelda Bornd stood to one side hugging a small teddy bear dressed in camouflage. Her grandson had served in Afghanistan. She said the bear helped her get through the days while he was stationed there.
In Union Park, LeSuer gave the prayer.
“Let us never forget the meaning of a 21-gun salute and the shrill sound of a bugler playing taps,” LeSuer said.
AMVETS Commander Greg McDonald and Marlene Walker laid the wreath at the World War II Memorial.
At the Jay War Monument in Chisholm Square, LeSuer gave the prayer. VFW Commander Terry Mears and Barbara Cook laid the wreath.
Glenn Freeman, pastor of the Fayette Baptist Church, gave the prayer at the Fayette Memorial.
American Legion Past Commander Don Simoneau and Roberta Simoneau, who live in Fayette, laid the wreath.
Some participants would take part in 11 different services before the day ended.
pharnden@sunmediagroup.net
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