veteranscouncil2004

2004

Veteran Organizations want a veterans outpatient clinic
Monday, December 20, 2004

LEWISTON - Members of the Lewiston-Auburn Community-Based Outpatient Clinic Committee have met twice in hopes of bringing an veterans' outpatient clinic to the area.

Members are Bob McDonald, VFW Post 9150; Roy Driver, Veterans Center; Rene Dumont, St. Mary's Regional Medical Center; Amy Guimond, Red Cross; Bert Dutil, L-A Veterans Council; Ken St. Amand, Lewiston Auburn Economic Growth Council; Major Marsha Morgan, retired Army nurse; Matt Dubois, representative for Congressman Michael Michaud; Kim Dionne, University of Maine student, also in Army Reserves; Rick Nugent, University of Maine student, also is in the Army Reserves; and Jerry DeWitt, Commander, Franco American War Veterans Post 31, Lewiston.

The group will discuss ways to educate and motivate the veterans community. Lewiston Auburn has more than 69,000 residents, of which 11,091 are veterans, making Lewiston Auburn the highest per capita in the state. The committee will meet with the director at Togus to present a petition and letters of support from area veterans.
A clinic would help those veterans get easier access to health care and save finances and travel time. Any veterans interested in the clinic should call Jerry DeWitt at 926-3240 or via pager at 851-4899

Annual Musical Tribute to Honor Veterans
Monday, November 8, 2004

LEWISTON - The Lewiston and Auburn Veterans Council is organizing the annual Musical Tribute to Veterans to be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, November 11th, Veterans Day, at the Lewiston Armory, Central Avenue.
All color guards, honor guards and organizations that wish to participate should call Chairman Bert Dutil at 786-2305 so their name may be added to the "Pass in Review" roster.
The tribute, held every year on Veterans Day, lasts for about an hour and a half. It includes military, veterans, fraternal and youth color guards for the Pass in Review. The musical section includes high school bands, the "Just Us" singers and, possibly this year, a high school chorus that has been invited to participate.
The event is free and people can attend to show their support for veterans and those now serving the country.
A new "Memorial Stone" with 216 veterans names will be unveiled and dedicated at 1:30 p.m. at the Veterans Memorial Park, Main Street. The stone is sponsored by the Lewiston and Auburn Veterans Council.

Lewiston Auburn Veterans Council needs donations for "Memorial Monument"
Wednesday, August 18, 2004

LEWISTON - Many individuals, organizations and businesses have donated toward the new veterans monument, "Price of Freedom," that will be dedicated on Saturday, September 18th, at the Veterans Park.
Guest speakers have already accepted the invitation to participate in the program, including Capt. R.S. Winneg, commanding officer, Brunswick Naval Air Station; Capt. P. B. Trapp, commanding officer, Coast Guard; Gov. John Baldacci; Lewiston Mayor Lionel Guay; Auburn Mayor Normand Guay; and Gen. John Libby, representing the U.S. Army.
Invitations have been sent to the congressional delegation, the other two military branches, state commanders and presidents of veterans organizations.
The group still needs donations to help pay for the monument. Those interested can call Chairman Bert Dutil at 786-2305 or send a check to Dutil at 454 Meadowview Park, Lewiston, ME 04240. Others available for information are fund-raising chairman Armand Bussiere at 688-2291 or treasurer Gerry Cain at 782-6621.

Veterans plan special monument dedication
Monday, July 12, 2004

LEWISTON - The Lewiston and Auburn Veterans Council is organizing a special ceremony for the unveiling and dedication of the new veterans monument, called "Price of Freedom," which will be 9 feet 2 inches tall. The event will be held on Saturday, September 18th, at Veterans Park.
Invitations have been sent to the congressional delegation, the governor and the two mayors. At present, Governor John Baldacci and Mayors Lionel Guay of Lewiston and Normand Guay of Auburn have accepted.
Invitations were also sent to representatives of the five military branches of service, and at present General John Libby, representing the Army, has accepted.
The council's executive committee and members are working to make the day a special occasion. Lewiston officials are helping with the project.
Anyone who would like to donate and help to fund the project should call one of the following individuals for details: Chairman Bert Dutil, 786-2305; fund-raising chairman, Armand Bussiere, 688-2291; or treasurer, Georgette Cain, 782-6621.
The cost of the monument is well over $40,000. Businesses, corporations, organizations or individuals who make a major donation to the project will have their name, an in honor of or in memory of an individuals added in the back of the monument. The deadline is the first week of August.

World War II veterans honored
Thursday, July 8, 2004

LEWISTON - The Lewiston Auburn Veterans Council honored those World War II veterans who were unable to go to Washington, D.C., for the dedication of the World War II Monument on May 29.

The council presented each with a special certificate and a photo of the Washington monument in appreciation for their services in a ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park.
Those receiving the certificates were Albert Rowbotham, oldest at 88; Emile A. Poisson, Joseph Bisson, Maurice H. Fontaine Sr., Armand J. Lauze, Clovis J. Bouchard, Wallace L. Dixon, Chester H. Lessard, Romeo A. Huppe, Bud Wagg.
Also, Thomas A. Desjardins, Jirard DerBoghosian, Harry W. Dixon Jr., Leandre J. Buteau, Victor Belanger, Robert J. Gelinas, Archie R. Travers Sr., Frank L. Mitchell, Clinton Knowlton.
Also, Raymond J. Cyr, Howard Eisman, Honore A. Breton, Bertrand Lafrance, Roland H. Lacasse, Joseph A. Lebrun, Cleveland Stetson and Roland C. Cyr.
Rowbotham was asked to unveil the sixth memorial stone carrying the names of 216 veterans. The seventh stone was unveiled by Emile A. Poisson, age 87.
Most received rides in the Memorial Day parade, some in cars, vans and some in Corvettes. Council members thanked those who provided rides.

Carnival to be in town
Wednesday, June 2, 2004

LEWISTON - The Lewiston and Auburn Veterans Council will sponsor the Smokey's Carnival from Thursday through Sunday, June 3 to 6, in the Veterans Park parking area, Main Street, before the Longley Bridge.
The fund-raiser proceeds will help pay for the new monument, which costs more than $40,000, that will be unveiled on Sept. 18. It will honor all those who served or are serving in the military.
Two new stones carrying 432 names were unveiled Saturday, May 29, and more will be done in the future. Anyone who would like an application can contact Chairman Bert Dutil at 786-2305, Vice Chairman Armand Bussiere at 688-2291 or Treasurer Gerry Cain at 782-6621.

Units are registered for Memorial Parade
Wednesday, May 26, 2004

LEWISTON - Franco-American War Veterans Post 31 and Auxiliary are sponsoring the Memorial Day parade, which will step off at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, May 29.
Units signed up to participate are as follows: Edward Little High School and Lewiston High School bands, American Legion Post 22 of Lewiston and American Legion Post 153 and Sons of the Legion of Auburn, Military Order of the Purple Heart of Lewiston, VFW Post and Auxiliary 1603 of Lewiston, Women's Marine Association of Lewiston, Lewiston Law Enforcement Cadets, Girl Scouts, Lewiston Fire Department Color Guard and Amvets Post 6 Color Guard of New Gloucester.

Any other units that wish to participate should call Bert Dutil at 786-2305 to register.
Since it is the day of the World War II Monument dedication in Washington, D.C., the Lewiston and Auburn Veterans Council will honor all World War II veterans, giving them rides in the parade if they wish as well as presenting them special certificate of appreciation at the ceremony after the parade.

Council to unveil stones after parade
Wednesday, May 26, 2004

LEWISTON - The Lewiston Auburn Veterans Council will honor World War II veterans and unveil two new stones in Veterans Park on Saturday, May 29, after the 9:30 a.m. parade and memorial ceremony.
The World War II veterans who attend must fill out a form to receive a special certificate. They may pick up the forms prior to the parade or prior to the memorial ceremony at the tables. They will then be called up to the podium to receive the certificate and have a photo taken.
The council will unveil two new stones with 432 names on them. Following the World War II ceremony, speakers will include Lewiston Mayor Lionel Guay, Auburn Mayor Normand Guay, Navy Chaplain Don Miller, Franco American War Veterans National Commander Lindy McCallum and National Auxiliary President Fern Ronan.
Carmen Nadeau and Doris Surette will sing. Members of VFW Post 1603 will fire the cannons and "Taps" will be played by members of the Lewiston and Edward Little High School bands.
The parade will include veterans, fraternal and youth organizations, the 309th Army Hospital Reserve Unit, American Legion Post 135 Drum Corps, vans and Corvettes.
World War II veterans who need rides for the parade should contact the parade coordinators, Jerry Dewitt or Willie Danforth.
Also helping will be Maurice Dutil, Arthur Paradis and Maurice Marquis.
The 9:30 a.m. parade route, as in the past, will go from Kennedy Park to Chestnut, Lisbon, Main Street, across Longley Bridge, around Auburn's Platz Plaza/Esplanade, back across Longley Bridge to Veterans Park for the ceremonies.
In case of rain, the parade will be canceled, while the ceremonies will be held at 10:30 a.m.
To register for the parade or for other information, call Bert Dutil at 786-2305.

Veterans names sought
Tuesday, May 18, 2004

LEWISTON - The Lewiston and Auburn Veterans Council has distributed applications for names of veterans to be listed on monuments in the new Veterans Memorial Park.
The park is located at the corner of Main and Lincoln streets. All veterans who served or are presently serving in the armed forces are eligible. The cost is $30 per application.
The forms are available at Lewiston City Hall, Chamber of Commerce, Shaw's and Hannaford's of Lewiston, Marden's and Spare-Time Recreation. In Auburn, applications can be obtained at City Hall, Auburn Public Library, Shaw's and K-Mart. For more information, call Bert Dutil at 786-2305 or Armand Bussiere at 688-2291.

Memorial Day Parade group invites everyone
Sunday, May 9, 2004

LEWISTON - Everyone is invited to participate in the Memorial Day parade in Lewiston-Auburn at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, May 29.
For more information, contact Bert Dutil at 786-2305 or write to him at 454 Meadowview Park, Lewiston, ME 04240.
The committee is inviting all musical units, color guards, Boy, Girl and Cub Scouts, veterans organizations and youth organizations to participate.
This year's parade will honor World War II veterans, since it is also the date the new World War II Monument in Washington, D.C., will be dedicated.
A memorial ceremony will be held after the parade in the new Veterans Park on Main Street.

Veterans recall end of Vietnam War
Thursday, April 22, 2004

LEWISTON - Members of area veterans organizations held a memorial service at the Vietnam Memorial marker on the Lewiston side of the Vietnam Bridge commemorating the end of the Vietnam War.
The program opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and singing of the "Star Spangled Banner" by the assembly under the direction of Bert Dutil.
Jerry DerBoghosian offered a special prayer and Robert MacDonald read the names of the servicemen from Auburn who lost their lives in Vietnam.
Ronald Arneault read the names of the servicemen from Lewiston who lost their lives in Vietnam, after which a moment of silence was held.

Deadline nearing to submit names
Tuesday, April 20, 2004

LEWISTON - The Lewiston Auburn Veterans Council states those wishing to have names placed on "Memorial Stones" in Veterans Park must submit an application by May 1st.
The next stone will be unveiled on May 29. Any veterans or those presently in the military may have their names added. The cost is $30.
There are five memorial stones in the park and the council hopes to add two in May. Members are still seeking donations for the veterans' monument that will be dedicated on Sept. 18. The cost for the monument is $40,000.
To receive applications for the stones or to make a donation, call one of the following officers: Bert Dutil, 786-2305; Armand Bussiere, 688-2291; or Gerry Cain, 782-6621.

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