Members of the South Buxton Cemetery Association Board of Directors met last week to plan the December 17 lease ceremony. From left to right: Brent Hill, Barry Sargent, Chad Poitras, Richard Atkinson, John Myers. Robert Lowell/American Journal
Veterans buried in South Buxton Cemetery and Woodlawn Cemetery in Westbrook will be memorialized on Saturday, December 17, with the Trans-America Lease Ceremony held at noon in conjunction with a national ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. increase.
The South Buxton Cemetery Association, according to its president, Richard “Sandy” Atkinson, “has a great program.”
“This program is great for veterans and great for bringing our community together to ‘remember, honor and teach,'” Atkinson said, referring to Wreaths across America’s mission. “It is important to teach everyone, especially young citizens, the value of freedom.”
Rolling Thunder Chapter 2 Maine sponsors the Westbrook Ceremony.
“This is one of the things we want to do,” said Rick Willoughby, president of the local Rolling Thunder Group, which works to bring attention to the POW/missing persons issue.
Wreaths Across America delivers thousands of wreaths from Maine to Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia each December. This year, Gorham Police Sgt. David Bruni and Officer Eric Sanborn are among the convoy’s escort and will participate in a ceremony in Arlington on Saturday.
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The South Maine Marine Corps will hold a salute Saturday at South Buxton Cemetery. file photo
Volunteers lay wreaths at veterans’ graves with American flags at 10 AM, before a ceremony at the cemetery at the intersection of US 202 and 112.
Association director Brent Hill said the cemetery holds 539 veterans buried. Atkinson said 440 of his donation-funded wreaths were delivered.
At 11:45 a.m., Nancy Kneeland will ring the Torrey Hill Church bell, gathering attendees for the ceremony and silence at noon.
Radio talk show host Ray Richardson will deliver the keynote address. Buxton Task Force member Chad Poitras will lead the Pledge of Allegiance and deliver the opening remarks.
The memorial program includes patriotic music, the Southern Maine Marine Corps honor guard salute, a memorial service by Reverend Daryl Loveway, “Taps” by trumpeter Mel Tukey, and bagpipes by Travis Court.
Buxton Fire Department provides color guard.
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The ceremony at Veterans Rest begins at 11:55 AM, followed by a moment of silence at noon. Mayor Michael Foley will be the main speaker.
The veterans’ grandchildren lay wreaths that “cover” the veterans’ rest, Willoughby said. Members of The Chamber His Singers at Westbrook High School will perform, host Debra said Willoughby. Reverend Scott Linscott offers the benediction. Rolling Thunder member Melinda Hescourt Park will read the POW/Missing Prayer, along with members Lisa Dyke, Charlie Rimoggio and Jim Burke.
15-year-old Gracelyn Govin will perform “Taps,” Lori True, David Cox, and Andrew Reddyker will fold the flag, and the Westbrook Fire Department will act as color guards.
Organizers are hoping for good weather, and Atkinson is hoping for a “large turnout and a great day.” The two ceremonies will be held regardless of conditions.
“Rain, snow, cold, sunshine, our vets have all survived,” Atkinson said.
Willoughby agreed. “We have to do it at all costs,” he said.
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