Jerry DeWitt addresses a crowd in 2020 at Veterans Memorial Park on Main Street in Lewiston. Sun Journal file photo
LEWISTON — The L&A Veterans Council will honor Gold Star families at the Memorial Day ceremony Saturday at Veterans Memorial Park starting at 10 a.m.
The Gold Star Families monument will be unveiled.
A Gold Star Family is one that has had a family member in the military who died in the line of duty. It is meant to honor the service member’s ultimate sacrifice while acknowledging their family’s loss, grief and continued healing, according to the United Service Organizations.
The monument will honor the memory of the those who died and create a lasting memorial for future families.
Gold Star mothers Joyce Richmond of Lewiston and Bethel Shields of Auburn sit in Veterans Memorial Park in Lewiston in November 2020. Andree Kehn/Sun Journal file photo Buy this Photo
The ceremony will include a piper from the Scottish Rite Masons, a canon salute and the playing of taps. Lewiston Mayor Mark Cayer is scheduled to speak. Other expected participants include the Boy Scouts, a group representing the 20th Maine Regiment from the Civil War, and a Legion of Honor from the Kora Shriners.
Gold Star mothers and fathers will unveil the monument.
Jerry Dewitt, chairman of the L&A Veterans Council, said the 33rd memorial stone with more than 200 names of local veterans on it will not be ready for dedication until July 4.
A monument honoring veterans of the Vietnam War will be dedicated on Veterans Day in November.
Veterans Memorial Park is beside Main Street along the Androscoggin River next to the Longley Bridge.
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