The community of Woolwich gathered to honor its military veterans past and present in a ceremony Wednesday, Nov. 11 at the historic Nequasset Meetinghouse.

Greeting everyone at the door was Lloyd Coombs, selectman and former Woolwich town administrator. Coombs, who served in the U.S. Army as a corporal from 1957 to 1959, wore his former uniform for the occasion.

The event, hosted by the town’s recreation committee, began with a patriotic musical rendition of “When Johnny Comes Marching Home Again” played by The Montsweagers.

Following a welcoming address by Selectman Allison Helper, members of Girl Scout Troop 1782 and the Brownie Troop carried the American flag to the front of the meeting house in the traditional “posting of the colors.” The Rev. Dr. Alan Baughcum, pastor of the Day’s Ferry Congregational Church, offered an opening prayer.

This year’s program featured two representatives of the Mid-Coast Veterans Resource Center located at Brunswick Landing, the former Brunswick Naval Air Station in Brunswick.

Director of the Center Read Rich, AWCS, United States Navy, Retired, briefly addressed the audience. Rich shared some historical information regarding the “Battlefield Cross,” also known as the “Fallen Soldier Battle Cross.” Rich said the tradition began during the American Civil War to mark a place where a soldier had died in battle. The rifle with its bayonet attached was driven into the ground with the soldier’s cap placed on the rifle butt. The practice has been carried on during the wars and military conflicts that have followed.

Today the Battlefield Cross has the soldier’s helmet on the rifle butt, dog tags, along with the boots of the fallen soldier. Rich said although the symbols have changed over the years, the purpose of the Battlefield Cross has remained the same, to show honor and respect for those who gave their life in defense of their country.

Before closing, Rich shared the meaning of the black POW-MIA flag that has the motto “You are not forgotten” on it. He said the flag honors both prisoners of war and also those men and women in military combat who are classified as “Missing In Action.” The flag serves as a reminder that our country never forgets these brave Americans, he said. Along with the American flag it is flown over the U.S. Capital building and also the White House.

Paul Loveless, LCDR, USN, Retired, said the Mid-Coast Veterans Resource Center is available to all military veterans. The center offers one-on-one advice, help and information on the many resources offered to military veterans. The center is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The program concluded with a closing prayer and standing ovation for all military personnel present. The recreation committee provided refreshments at the conclusion of the program.