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AUGUSTA – The Maine Veterans Cemetery System will join Wreaths Across America or National Wreaths Across America Day on Saturday, Dec. 19.
The event will look a little different this year. Wreaths Across America will deliver wreaths to Maine’s four veterans cemeteries to be laid on grave sites by WAA volunteers. In years past, the Maine Veterans Cemetery System received donations of additional wreaths that would arrive either the day of, or a few days after, formal events. Because of COVID-19 and social distancing guidelines, the MVCS will not be asking members of the public to assist laying the wreaths.
Maine’s Veterans Cemeteries will be open normal hours for visitors to place wreaths at the site of their loved one’s grave. The system has four cemeteries — two in Augusta, on Civic Center Drive and Mount Vernon road, one in Springvale and one in Caribou.
“The Maine Veterans Cemetery System will continue to honor the service of our veterans,” said David Richmond, director of the Maine Bureau of Veterans Services. “We understand the importance and significance of a family member paying their respects during these difficult times; however, we must also take into consideration the health and well-being of our grounds crew and the public.”
Scott Brown, superintendent of the Maine Veterans Cemetery System offered remarks of caution. “We ask our visitors to be mindful of those who are more susceptible to this virus as well as our dedicated staff. While we encourage families and friends to pay their respects to their loved ones, we also ask that for public safety purposes, our visitors adhere to social distancing guidance in our cemeteries.”
For more information on the Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery System, visit the Maine Bureau of Veterans Services website at maine.gov/veterans/memorial-cemetery-system”>maine.gov/veterans/memorial-cemetery-system.
