Veterans’ organizations and their auxiliaries will hold wreath-laying services on Memorial Day, May 31.

Veterans and community members are to gather before 7 a.m. at the parking lot near Livermore Falls Memorial Bridge to proceed with the Jay VFW Post 3335 color guard to the bridge to drop a wreath into the Androscoggin River to remember those lost at sea. The bugler for the Jay American Veterans Post 33 will play taps.

About 7:30 a.m. a wreath will be placed at the Veterans Memorial at Brettuns Center in Livermore to remember all service people whose lives have been lost. Similar ceremonies will be held at the World War II Monument in Chisholm Square in Jay about 8 a.m., World War II Memorial in Union Park in Livermore Falls about 8:20 a.m. and Veterans Memorial at the municipal building in Fayette around 8:45 a.m.

Members of American Legion Post 10 in Livermore Falls will also be in attendance.

“The times are approximate, but the ceremonies will be held as soon as the group gets to a location,” VFW Judge Advocate Jim Manter said Sunday. “The same people will be participating in the ceremonies and preparing for the chicken barbecue. We need to share the resources.”

Jay VFW Post 3335 and its auxiliary is hosting the barbecue and begin at 1 p.m. The menu will be half a chicken, macaroni salad, chips and chocolate chip cookies. Cost is $12 and orders must be made by calling 897-2122 by May 28.

“The size of the chicken is going to be gigantic,” Manter said. “The barbecue is huge for us this year. Because of the pandemic we’re trying to open, hopefully in June. Funds from the barbecue will help prepare the post for reopening.”

To prepare for Memorial Day and to remember local veterans who have died, American flags will be placed at graves in local cemeteries this week by veterans’ organizations. Those wishing to help should call the VFW at 897-5112.

“We welcome support and effort for that,” Manter said.

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