For years, my husband, Master Chief Albert Friedman, put a wreath on the river in memory of his brother, Sidney Friedman, who was on the U.S.S. Luce destroyer when it was hit by Japanese kamikaze.

After my husband’s passing, the wreath was placed in his name, as well as his brother’s. I continued that tradition, eventually adding the name of our son, Sidney, who served in the U.S. Navy.

As I am no longer able to do the placement myself, the Jay Police have graciously agreed to do it for me every year. This year, the chief of police, Richard Caton, presented a wreath for Pearl Harbor Day at the Androscoggin Remembrance Bridge on my behalf in honor of the three men and all the veterans of World War II. It was reported, in error, that the wreath was placed in honor of me.

It was not for me, but in honor of the veterans that I donate the wreath. I do not wish to have that recognition misplaced.

Hyla Friedman, Farmington