Letter to the Editor – a VFW thanks

To the editor:

For over thirty-five years members of Lee Graham Post 97 American Legion in Howland have visited various cemeteries in the area and held a brief but meaningful memorial ceremony at each cemetery honoring those deceased veterans.

The day begins with a breakfast at the Post Home, then proceeding to the nine cemeteries in the area to honor deceased veterans who have served our country. The parade begins at the Howland Park, with Senator Elizabeth Schneider placing a wreath at the Howland memorial, proceeding to the Howland Bridge where Representative Jeff Gifford placed a wreath into the Piscataquis River, then onto Water Street, around the corner at Bangor Savings and back to the American Legion Mini Park. The Penobscot Valley High School played the “The Star-Spangled Banner” as the American Flag was raised to full staff. The Howland Fire Department sounded the Fire Siren for one minute in tribute to the fallen Firemen and Policemen who perished on September 22, 2001

Members of Lee Graham Post 97 would like to salute all those individuals that participated in the Memorial Day ceremonies: Senator Elizabeth Schneider, Representative Jeff Gifford, Representative Emilie Kane, Leveille-Shorey VFW Post 9429 (West Enfield), Knights of Columbus, Matthew Riley Council 5524 – 4th degree (Lincoln), Boy Scout Troop 64, Penobscot Valley High School Band, Maine National Guard., Howland Fire Department, Howland Ambulance, Seboeis Plantation Fire Department, Burlington Fire Department, Passadumkeag Fire Department. And a special “Thanks” to Holly Hazeltine, Mattanawcook Academy, for playing “Taps” at the Cemeteries.

Thank you all

John M. Neel
Post 97 Adjutant