Memorial Day observances will be expanded in Farmington and Weld this year to commemorate monuments honoring veterans.

Farmington

The celebration will begin at 10 a.m. at the Teague World War I Memorial Arch on North Main Street.

“This monument was commissioned 99 years ago by the generosity of a Civil War veteran who wanted to honor the brave Franklin County men who perished during the first world war,” Stephan Bunker, commander of Roderick-Crosby American Legion Post 28, said at last year’s observance. “Mr. Teague died prior to the unveiling of this arch in 1924 yet his legacy endures.”

This year the 100th anniversary of the arch will be commemorated.

Post Adjutant Andrew Goodridge recommended the public bring lawn chairs for the extended program at the arch.

The American Legion color guard will present the colors followed by remarks by Goodridge. Among those speaking will be Priscilla Kimble singing the national anthem and Chaplain Langdon Adams offering a prayer. Rachel McClellan will speak about Mt. Blue Area Garden Club efforts, Pam Poisson about WWI auxiliary, Glenn Miller on his No Higher Service project and a representative of Farmington Historical Society about a time capsule.

Afterward, Bunker will speak, followed by Scott Dresser representing Congressman Jared Golden, and University of Maine at Farmington President Joseph McDonnell.

The proclamation from Franklin County commissioners will be read before veterans and local Boy Scouts place a wreath at the arch. Bugler Paul Harnden of Jay will play taps. Those wishing will formally proceed to Meeting House Park on Main Street.

At approximately 11:30 a.m. the service at the park will feature words by Farmington Police Chief Kenneth Charles and the placement of wreaths at various monuments located there.

Legionnaires will hold a chicken barbecue fundraiser from noon until sold out at Farmington Historical Society’s Old North Church, 118 High St. Cost is $15 for half a chicken, coleslaw, chips, a brownie and bottled water.

According to a Sun Journal article published May 17, Franklin County commissioners agreed to sign a proclamation recognizing the 100th anniversary of the Teague World War I Memorial Arch. Commissioners previously approved money from its federal American Rescue Plan Act funds to improve the monument area on Fairbanks Road. Mt. Blue Area Garden Club organized the restoration with help from the Roderick-Crosby American Legion Post 28 in Farmington and volunteers.

CHESTERVILLE

A brief service will be held about noon at Chesterville Center Union Meeting House, 3 Borough Road. The American flag will be lowered then raised back to full staff, Rob Rogers said. At noon the bell will be rung and Lucy Anne Knowles will play taps.

WELD

A monument bearing the names of four veterans who served during the Gulf War era will be dedicated at Monday’s Memorial Day service, organizer Sean Minear said. It is one of three stone markers at the Weld Free Public Library. The names of the four have been added to one of them.

The traditional flag lowering and raising service will be held at 1 p.m. at the library on Church Street, Minear said. He and others will speak.

Michael Pratt, chairman of the Memorial Committee, said, “A few of us who are veterans in town decided that the veterans of the more current actions that the government does should be recognized. We got together, tried to put together the group of veterans who met the requirements under the (Veterans Affairs) qualifications. We had four people in Weld: Kevin Cochran, Dennis Durant, Margie Fish and Travis Stewart.”

The four will be recognized Monday, Pratt said.

Refreshments will be offered in the library before the ceremonies, Town Clerk Carol Cochran said. Veterans are asked to go inside between 12:15 and 12:30 p.m.

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