WILTON — Veterans think about service before self but no one leaves the military unchanged, American Legion Post 28 Commander David Targett told about 50 residents and veterans at a Veterans Day service Tuesday at the monument on Main Street.

Some veterans bear injuries but others retain wounds that are not seen, he said. “All gave some, some gave all,” he said.

Maine Attorney General said one of the freedoms veterans protect is Americans’ right to vote.

“I think about those people when I cast my vote,” she said.

Members of Wilton Boy Scout Troop 518 raised the flag prior to the Rev. Barry Trask of Calvary Hill Baptist Church offering prayer. 

State Sen. Tom Saviello, R-Wilton, and state Rep. Russell Black, R-Wilton, offered their thoughts about veterans. Saviello read a letter from U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine.

“We’re here to thank veterans and remember the debt we owe them,” Black said. “A debt we cannot pay.”

Korean War veteran Raymond Wiers of East Wilton recited the World War I poem, “In Flanders Field.”

Black’s son-in-law, Sgt. Chris Canty, laid a wreath at the monument before the gathering moved to the bridge where Legion Chaplain Langdon Adams offered a prayer.

Weirs dropped a second wreath into Wilson Stream.

The Rev. David Smith of the First Congregational Church offered a closing prayer.

Veterans were invited to a free breakfast offered by Ray Ray’s Cafe and Sweet Treats on Main Street.

abryant@sunjournal.com