AUGUSTA, Maine — Wet and chilly temperatures were the backdrop as family and friends honored servicemen and women who never came home.
Memorial Day ceremonies were held throughout the state Monday, including at the Maine Veterans' Memorial Cemetery, the resting place of thousands of military personnel.
Despite a constant drizzle, dozens came to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
"While their names and deeds are not featured in history books, all of their memories live on," David Richmond, director of the Maine Bureau of Veterans Services, said from the podium.
The ceremony also highlighted the extraordinary sacrifices made by servicemen and women during World War II. June 6 marks the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings along the Normandy Coast of France.
Kelley Wynne is a 35-year army veteran who served in Operation Desert Storm. He said the sacrifices of those who served in World War II must never be forgotten.
"That's why they are the greatest," Kelley said in earnest. "They might be gone and only a few are left, but everybody remembers D-day."
Gold Star mothers who lost sons or daughters serving in the armed forces placed a wreath, followed by three cannon blasts and the playing of taps.
Bethel Shields' son, Jeb, was killed in March of 1991 when two P-3 Orion aircraft collided during a naval training exercise off the coast of California. The 26-year-old Auburn native was the youngest of five children.
"It's terrible and hard for the kids and the siblings," Bethel said, her voice cracking. "They miss him terribly."
Joyce Richmond's daughter, Denise, served 26 years in the Air Force. She died from an undetected tumor in her heart. But other Gold Star Mothers are helping ease the painful loss.
"It saved an awful lot of heartache, meeting with other women who've been through the same thing, helping each other," Joyce explained.
Loved ones say it's important to remember those who fought and paid the ultimate price to keep our country free.