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WAYNE — Veterans groups gathered July 21 at Beech Hill Cemetery to pay homage to a veteran of the Civil War who died 116 years ago without a stone to commemorate his service.
“Veterans do not forget their own, no matter in what war they served,” said Marilyn Burgess, who organized the event.
“The hardships, pain and separation from family remain the same and they understand, more than any of us who have not served, what that sacrifice means. Some traveled from as far as Bethel and Kenduskeag to pay their respects and we are grateful.”
Benjamin Burgess finally received his stone.
Groups attending were:
The Veterans of Foreign Wars Frank L. Mitchell Post 3335, Jay: John T. Dube, commander.
Destroyer Escort Sailors Association Northeast Chapter Color Guard: Rick Merrill, Charles Fullerton, Douglas Hiltz, Donald Frechette, Sean Walker, Larry Bilodeau, VFW chaplain, who led a prayer.
AmVets Lane Dube Post 33 and sons of AmVets Squadron 33 of Jay, George St. Pierre, commander, Bob Godding, finance officer as well as firing squad member. Other firing squad members were David Smith, Dick Frazier, Dan Cote, Dick Moreau, Bob Roy, George St Pierre, firing squad commander, and Greg McDonald, bugler who played taps.
American Legion George Buntin Post 10 of Livermore Falls, Charles Fullerton, Chaplain Sean Vincent.
The Sons of Union Veterans and the Daughters of Union Veterans traveled from throughout the state to bring their program, for which the Burgess family was most grateful. The group included members Larry B. Bonney, Maine Department commander; Peter Redman, Maine Department senior vice commander; Morris Berry, Maine Department junior vice commander; Elsie Bonney, past department president and Sally Sawyer, Maine Department chaplain.
Anyone who is a direct descendant of a Civil War soldier may belong to one of the two groups who have a remarkable service agenda, Marilyn Burgess said.
