SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine — It was a busy weekend for volunteers and members of the South Portland War Veterans Memorial Association as they prepared for Memorial Day ceremonies around the city.
Dozens of Mainers spent time Saturday planting American flags at each veterans' grave around South Portland.
The Veterans Association, which is made up of the American Legion Stewart P. Morrill Post 35 and VFW Post 832, planned this year's Memorial Day Ceremonies for months.
Past Cmdr. Guy Linscott said all veterans at the American Legion work every year to spread the same message: Remind Mainers what Memorial Day is all about.
“We would like the community to get together and remember this day and honor those veterans that we have lost over the years," Linscott said.
Linscott also said Monday is a great opportunity for Mainers to speak with and thank a veteran for their service.
Adj. Michael Pock said the Worcester Wreathes Company donated wreathes to be laid at veterans' graves and the 1,400 flags placed by each gravesite. Each flag was placed in a special grave marker, signifying the fallen servicemember's military branch.
"If it weren't for veterans, we wouldn't be talking right now," Pock said.
It's a lot of work to coordinate remembrance ceremonies, Pock said, but he emphasized that it's important for future generations to understand why Americans honor those who gave their lives in service to our country.
Pock helped deliver flags to all of the cemeteries in South Portland and said there would be ceremonies held at the city's three major cemeteries Monday morning before the parade.
Following the parade, a brief service was held at the Veterans Monument at Mill Creek Park Monday.
Pock and the other members at Post 35 help local veterans in other efforts throughout the year, whether it be as advocates to local Veterans Affairs offices, or using money raised from its bottle redemption program to fund certain events.