Members of Jay Frank L. Mitchell VFW Post 3335 placed wreaths Dec. 17 on veterans’ graves at the Holy Cross Cemetery in Livermore Falls. The Color Guard, from left, are Larry Bilodeau, Ricky Merrill and Dave Lachepelle. Submitted photo

Members of Jay Frank L. Mitchell VFW Post 3335 placed wreaths Dec. 17 on a veteran’s grave at the Holy Cross Cemetery in Livermore Falls.

Jim Manter, post judge advocate, said in a news release, “We felt that even with the heavy snow conditions, we had to go through with the ceremonial portion of the event. Despite 17 inches of snow on the graves, our veteran members and auxiliary believed it was important to press ahead with the ceremony. The inconvenience to us was pale compared to what our veterans’ have given to our country.”

Alice Robinson places a wreath during a Wreaths across America ceremony at Holy Cross Cemetery in Livermore Falls. Submitted photo

The ceremony included a blessing by Fr. Paul Dumais from St. Rose Catholic Church, the laying of ceremonial wreaths to honor each of the Armed Forces branches, and taps being played. The grave decorated was that of Frank L. Mitchell, a local Army veteran killed in World War I and the namesake for the local VFW Post 3335.

“Even though we had to plow our way into the cemetery, snow and wind blowing, we completed the honors part of the wreath placement ceremony,” Post Commander Rick Merrill said. “Due to the inclement weather, and the unsafe conditions with footing and walking about the graves, we made a on spot decision to delay placement of the remaining wreaths that were donated from Wreaths Across America.”

Wreaths Across America donated 36 wreaths to the local VFW efforts, along with private donations of handmade wreaths. According to Alice Robinson, co-coordinator for the WAA project, “We hope community awareness grows, so that next year, we can decorate more local veteran’s graves.”

For more information on the Post 3335 Wreaths program, or for participating and supporting next year’s fundraising efforts, call 207-897-5112.

Jim Manter leads the wreath-laying ceremony at Holy Cross Cemetery in Livermore Falls. Submitted photo

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