JAY — The Tri-Town Senior Citizens Group recognized area veterans for their service Monday, the day before Veterans Day, at the St. Rose of Lima Parish Hall.

Army veteran Paul Bright of East Livermore played his guitar and sang songs representing each branch of the military, accompanied by those who gathered at the hall.

“God Bless America” concluded the performance.

Group President Fern Doiron called off the name of each member in attendance followed by the names of those who couldn’t make it.

Pat Knowlton of Livermore Falls presented each veteran with a white mug containing a flag and some sweets.

The group also recognized veterans advocate Donald Simoneau of Fayette with a plaque and certificate for his military service and his dedication to keeping veterans, past and current, remembered.

Among his contributions is being at the forefront of organizing the Memorial Day Parade, making sure veterans’ graves are taken care of and reminding people about the dedication and sacrifices that veterans make.

Simoneau’s wife, Roberta, accepted the plaque and certificate on her husband’s behalf.

Simoneau, a U.S. Army veteran, was not feeling well and couldn’t attend, she said.

Veterans in attendance were Rita Fuller, U.S. Navy; Maurice Castonguay, U.S. Air Force; Athanase Couture, U.S. Army; George Doiron, U.S. Army; Paul Gilbert, U.S. Army; and Paul Bright, U.S. Army.

Those unable to attend besides Simoneau were veterans Aurelien Couture and James Williams, both U.S. Army; Karen Castonguay and Walter Tripp, both U.S. Air Force; and Joseph Slovak and Francis “Red” Therrien, both U.S. Navy.

NOTE: This story has been modified since its original publication to reflect the correct military branch for George Doiron, Athanase Couture, Paul Bright, and Paul Gilbert, who all served in the U.S. Army. It was a reporting error.

dperry@sunjournal.com