veteranscouncil2005

2005

Veterans plan two ceremonies
Wednesday, November 2, 2005

LEWISTON - Two Veterans Day ceremonies, sponsored by the L and A Veterans Council, will take place on Friday, November 11th.
The first will be held at 10 a.m. at the Lewiston Armory, opening with the National Anthem. An Invocation will be followed by talks by Lewiston Mayor Lionel Guay and Auburn Mayor Normand Guay.
A Pass In Review will take place by the military, veterans, fraternal and youth organizations. State Senator Margaret "Peggy" Rotundo will speak, and the Just Us entertainers, the combined Lewiston and Edward Little High School bands and the Lewiston High School Chorus will present a musical program.
The second ceremony will be held at the Veterans Memorial Park on Main Street starting at 1:30 p.m. with the changing of the flags. A new American flag was donated by Senator Susan Collins, which had been flown on the United States Capitol in Washington.
All the other service flags will be changed also, followed by the unveiling of the fourth polished granite bench.
Veterans from the Maine Veterans Home in South Paris and from other facilities will be honored. All are invited.
For more information, call Bert Dutil, chairman, L and A Veterans Council, 786-2305.

Lewiston is 'Most Patriotic'
Wednesday, September 28, 2005

LEWISTON - City Council Chambers became a patriotic arena as the city received the "2005 Most Patriotic City" Award from the Paralyzed Veterans of America on September 19th.
Nominated by Lewiston resident Denis Beaulieu, Lewiston was selected out of 150 cities nominated nationwide, and a standing-room-only crowd expressed pride and enthusiasm as to the city's national recognition.
Amid patriotic music, red, white and blue balloons, yellow ribbons, flag decorations, picture boards and employees in patriotic attire, New England Chapter President Ken Mendeiros, accompanied by wife, Michelle, presented the award to Mayor Lionel C. Guay Jr., alongside members of the military.
The award read, "The Paralyzed Veterans of America salutes you for the demonstration of patriotism and true American spirit that is displayed by the citizens throughout your community."
Reasons for Lewiston being selected were support of those serving in the military to include the 619th and the 133rd; the city's December 7th, 2004, "Letters from War" reception for military families; participation in "Operation Community Support" with yellow ribbons posted throughout the community; the presence of Veterans Memorial Park here; the Lewiston Recreation Department's children's holiday outreach; and the number of e-mail holiday cards sent via the PVA's Web site last December.
Guay said, "It is our hope that today's show of continued patriotism will make you proud, Mr. Medeiros, that PVA selected Lewiston as the 2005 Most Patriotic City. This community's roots run deep, with fond memories and traditions passed down from generations. And, indeed, amidst all of that is our love of country, our support of our fellow men and women, and the desire to live strong as Americans."
Military from Maine and out of state attended the reception, including Maine's General John W. Libby and Air Force Lt. Colonel Brian Creelman of Portsmouth, N.H. Congressman Tom Allen and representatives from Senators Olympia Snowe's and Susan Collins' offices and Congressman Michaud's office were on hand.
Bert Dutil, LA Veterans Council chairman, also addressed attendees, Nick Knowlton sang and the Lewiston Fire/Police Honor Guard posted and retreated the colors.

L-A Veterans Council plans annual ceremony
Monday, September 26, 2005

LEWISTON - The Lewiston Auburn Veterans Council will hold its annual Veterans Day ceremony at 10 a.m. Friday, November 11, at the Lewiston Armory, Central Ave., on Friday, Nov. 11. All honor guards and color guards are invited to participate in the Pass In Review to honor veterans and military personnel.
The five military service songs will be sung while their service flags will pass in review, and all veterans and military individuals in attendance will stand for their song.
The program will also include high school bands, the Just Us entertainers and speeches. Every year veterans attend from the South Paris Veterans Home.
Most years the council videotapes the program and sends copies to the five state veterans homes as well as to Togus.
There will be displays and forms for those interested in having their names on a stone or on a bench in Veterans Memorial Park. For more information, contact Bert Dutil, council chairman, at 786-2305.

Parade notice
Thursday, May 26, 2005

LEWISTON - In case of rain on Memorial Day, Monday, May 30, the parade and ceremony will be canceled. The decision will be made by 8 a.m. by Don Linscott, parade chairman, and Bert Dutil, Lewiston Auburn Veterans Council Chairman.

Vets council wants benches in park
Monday, February 7, 2005

LEWISTON - The Lewiston Auburn Veterans Council has a project under way to have benches placed in the Veterans Memorial Park.
The benches are made of polished granite and would carry the name of individuals or businesses on the front. The cost is $200 a name, up to 22 characters including spaces. People do not have to be a veteran or military personnel to have a name on the benches.
The council is also continuing to accept names for the stones for anyone who has been in the military or is in the military. The cost is $30 each. The ninth stone will be dedicated at a ceremony after the parade on Memorial Day.

The council is accepting donations to continue adding to the park, such as military hardware, in the future.
Anyone interested can contact Chairman Bert Dutil at 786-2305, Treasurer Gerry Cain at 782-6621 or Vice Chairman Armand Bussiere at 688-2291.

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