Along with honoring veterans through words, wreath-layings, a gun salute and "Taps," American Legion Post 54's Veterans Day ceremony in Wiscasset was also a chance to share how to help protect veterans from suicide.

A poster about waist-high to Legion member Ed Polewarczyk, and a 3 5/8-inch tall pamphlet fellow member Stephanie Davis was handing out, both spoke to the issue. "This is really to say, 'Ask a veteran in your circle, how are they doing,'" Davis told Wiscasset Newspaper at Monday morning's service at the veterans' wall at the town office.

The pamphlet, part of the Legion's Be the One initiative to reduce veteran suicide, listed warning signs including a veteran's talking about being a burden to others or wanting to die, or expressing guilt or shame; isolating themselves, giving away belongings, or doing risky behavior such as more frequent substance use.

The pamphlet said to "Ask them what's going on. Let them know they aren't alone. Ask the direct question: Are you having thoughts of suicide? Encourage them to keep sharing. Offer to connect them to someone who can help."

"DO NOT tell them you know how they feel (or) condemn or minimize their thoughts or feelings (or) tell them to be thankful for what they have," it advised. Learn more at betheone.org

Legion member Tom Stoner played "Taps" near the town office's American flag, member Neil Page and Auxiliary Unit member Sandra Winters laid wreaths at the wall, and Post 54 Commander William Cossette Jr. encouraged new membership. He also invited all attendees for doughnuts afterward at the Post's hall on Route One.

Rain ended before the service, leaving a damp lawn and pavement and a bright sun for the minutes-long ceremony. About 40 people came. Among them, Brian and Linda Adams, regulars to the Post's services at the wall, were just back from visiting family in England, including son-in-law Martin Twist, who served in Britain's Royal Marines. Linda Adams said England's Remembrance Day, held near the U.S.'s Veterans Day, is a huge deal. The family sent them photos from Sunday's Remembrance Day at 1,300-year-old Sherborne Abbey, where the Wiscasset couple's grandson sings. The Abbey's exterior was lit in red and a display had 2,000 handknit poppies, Brian Adams said.

The couple said they come to the Wiscasset services because it is important to honor those who have served and those who now serve.