LEWISTON — The 14th annual Veterans Day Community Prayer Service will be held at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 9, with Prince of Peace Parish hosting the evening of reflection at Holy Family Church, 607 Sabattus St.
The parish invites the community to join the service regardless of denomination or faith affiliation to give thanks and remember veterans.
Deacon Irenee Richard, OP, Prince of Peace Parish, the Rev. Annie Baker-Streevy, Calvary United Methodist Church, the Rev. Richard Waller, Church of the Nazarene, and Rabbi Srili Dresdner, Temple Shalom Synagogue Center, will lead in prayer and thanksgiving.
The Kora Highlanders Drum and Bagpipe Unit of Lewiston will open the program followed by the presentation of the colors. The Freeport Flag Ladies will once again carry the American Flag followed by the POW/MIA Flag and bonnet to be placed on an empty chair signifying those who are still missing and that many will never return home. Immediately after, the other five military branches will follow, carrying their banners, marching to their military hymns and saluting the flag.
The Air Force Junior ROTC Cadet Corps from Lewiston High School will once again take part in the ceremony as honor guard and to demonstrate future veterans.
Paul Caron will lead the choir with religious and patriotic songs. Music will include the national anthem and other favorites. There will be a reading from the Bible followed by a reflection on that reading as well as a military reflection shared by a veteran. The empty chair will be recognized and echoing taps will sound.
A replica of the Marines elevating the American flag on Iwo Jima will be spotlighted at the entrance of the church, courtesy of the L&A Veterans Council.
The hourlong event is free.
Committee members planning the Veterans Day Community Prayer Service are, from left, front row, Ann Servidio and Gerard Poulin; and, back row, Arthur Obie, Henri St. Pierre, John Poulin and Alex Lyons. Missing from the photo are Lise Schulze and Norm Lebel.
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