REGION — Veterans Day observances were held in the Tri-Town Saturday morning, Nov. 11, with a rededication of the Brettuns Memorial at the intersection of Route 4 and Church Street in Livermore.
The memorial has two monuments: one honoring Livermore service people buried in unmarked graves, the other dated 1947 which honors all sons and daughters of Livermore who served their country.
As part of the restoration efforts, two raised wooden planters were built, placed behind the 1947 monument and filled with artificial flowers. A stone bench was added near the other one.
Resident Dennis Lee thanked veterans for all they have done for their country. He recognized community members who “helped restore [Brettuns Memorial] this year. It’s really a blessing for all of us. It helps give National pride back that we have been missing over the years. A lot of people have put in time and their hearts.”
Members of VFW Post 3335 and American Veterans Post 33 in Jay, American Legion Post 10 in Livermore Falls and their auxiliaries participated in the observances which began in Fayette.
At the Jay War Memorial in Chisolm Square, the color guard marched to the center of Route 4 and stood at attention while Larry Bilodeau gave a prayer. Janice Sweeney then accompanied Pam Manter while she placed a wreath in front of the monument.
Afterwards, George St. Pierre led the 21-gun salute and Wayne Buckingham played taps.
At Union Park in Livermore Falls, Sherri Lieter placed the wreath accompanied by Donna Arsenault. At the Livermore Falls Memorial Bridge, Post 10 Commander Jocelyn Mosher-Collins stood beside Gail Dube as she dropped a wreath into the Androscoggin River to honor those lost at sea.
Stella Paquette placed the wreath at Brettuns Memorial with Jan Arsenault beside her.
At each location John Dube led the color guard. Rick Merrill, Reed Costin and Bilodeau carried American, Maine, and POW/MIA flags, respectively. Bilodeau, St. Pierre and Buckingham performed their duties.
More community members attended the Livermore rededication ceremony than the observances in Livermore Falls and Jay.
Lee also drew attention to those Livermore service men and women whose final resting places are unknown.
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