Air Force veteran Sophia Inman was the keynote speaker at Woolwich’s Memorial Day service at North Woolwich Methodist Church Monday evening. The annual ecumenical service included Day’s Ferry Congregational Church, Woolwich-Wiscasset Baptist Church and First Baptist Church of Woolwich.

Patriotism is realizing you are part of something bigger than yourself, it’s not just for those who serve in the military, Inman, of Bath, said. “What counts is how we live our lives day to day – the respect and understanding we show to each other.” Patriotism and good citizenship include caring for one another and standing against injustice, she continued.

“Preserving our freedoms sometimes requires hard sacrifices to be made,” Inman said. She added, much could be learned from reading the late Sen. John McCain’s essay, “A Cause Greater than Self.”

Inman grew up in a military family. She served 10 years in the Air Force before transitioning to the Air National Guard. Her tours of duty took her overseas to Germany, Japan and Iran.

After welcoming everyone to North Woolwich Methodist Church, host Pastor David Ouellette turned the podium over to Pastor Clay Porr of Woolwich-Wiscasset Baptist Church who offered the invocation. Alice Hudyberdi accompanied by Hope Lavender on the piano sang two inspirational solos “My Country ’Tis of Thee”  and the hymn, “Eternal Father, Strong to Save.”

One of the more poignant moments of the hour-long program was when Pastor Thomas Tuck of First Baptist Church assisted by Pastor Porr read the names of Woolwich servicemen who had lost their lives in the two world wars and Vietnam. This was followed by the playing of “Taps” on the trumpet by Sarah Ouellette.

A goodwill offering was taken to be shared between the town's Flag Committee and Midcoast Veterans Council. Rev. David Butler of Days Ferry Congregational Church then offered a prayer of thanks. As we honor our fallen, free us to celebrate and cherish the living, he said.

Days Ferry Congregational Church will host next year’s Memorial Day service.