Remembering veterans at Newagen Nov. 11

Thu, 11/11/2021 - 1:30pm

Over 50 people, including several local veterans, attended a brief but meaningful Veterans Day ceremony outside Southport Memorial Library at Newagen Nov. 11 under a sunny sky but with a cool breeze.

Sponsored by the library aides, the ceremony began with the lowering of the flag by veteran Tim Hanley. Library aide Nan Jackson welcomed everyone and spoke briefly about why the annual event is held at the library – to remember veterans past and present.

The Reverend Kit Sherrill read prayers for veterans and for peace. Southport Selectman and Fire Chief Gerry Gamage led the singing of “God Bless America” and “Grand Old Flag.” He also read the names of three Southport veterans who died since Veterans Day 2020 – Richard Butler, U.S. Army; Gary Marple, U.S. Navy; and George S. Ross Jr., U.S. Army.

“Taps” was played on trumpet by the Reverend Bob Dent, followed by the raising of the flag to half-staff by Hanley, concluding the ceremony.

Cider, apples and other refreshments were provided by the library.

The ceremony, including a video tribute to local veterans by Jim Singer and a prerecorded talk by author Jack Flowers, author of the book “Rat Six,” was to be shown Veterans Day and subsequent days on Boothbay Region TV Channel 7 and 1301, as recorded by BRTV’s Jonne Trees.