Woolwich Veterans Woolwich veterans get American flags ready for the "We Remember" observance in Bath on Memorial Day. Left to right are Roger Baffer, Robert Meade, Jack Albis, and Lloyd Coombs. (Photo Charlotte Boynton)

This year will mark the sixth anniversary of the "We Remember" observance at the Library Park in Bath, on Monday, May 26, from noon until 2 p.m.

The "We Remember" effort was formed by Woolwich resident Jack Albis, and several of his ex-military buddies, who meet regularly for coffee and conversation. The event pays tribute to those who have served and lost their lives defending our country this past year in Afghanistan and Iraq. The observance also supports those who continue to put their lives on the line in support of our freedom.

More than 50 citizens from the area will participate in the event, which follows the Memorial Day parade in Bath. Residents will read portions of the list of more than 700 people who have made the ultimate sacrifice during the past year. The reading will include their name, rank, and age. As each name is given, a bell will toll in their honor.

With the help of the Boy and Girl Scout Troops in the area, more than 700 mini flags will be displayed in the Bath City Park at the ceremony representing all those whose lives were lost during the past year.

The "We Remember" committee invites the guests at the ceremony to take a flag home with them at the conclusion of the observance service.

The colors will be presented by the Bath Police Department Color Guard, the Naval Air Station Color Guard, and Boy Scout Troop 621, Bath Color Guard. Master Chief Lewis Sikes, U.S. Navy Retired will be the master of ceremonies.

Doug Rafferty, longtime WGME-channel 13 anchor, will present the Old Soldier award to a veteran; Life Scout Connor McGowan of Bath will lead the Pledge of Allegiance; and the National Anthem and prayer will be given by Reverend Barry Dutton of the Bath Church of the Nazarene.

There will also be a wreath laying ceremony at the Bath City Park Veterans Memorial by the military and Veterans organizations.

Representing the "We Remember" Committee, Doug Rafferty will lay a wreath. Wreaths will be placed by Brig. General Albert White, U.S. Army (Retired) and Robert Meade representing the Veterans of Foreign Wars; and by John Doyle, Department First Vice Commander of the American Legion and Past Smith Tobey Post Commander Edwin Morton in honor of the American Legion.

The ceremony will include brief remarks form Major Lynn Maria Riotto, U.S. Army (Retired) and Captain Dean Krestos, United States Navy. The event will conclude with Bagpiper Chris Hall playing "Amazing Grace." The Brunswick Naval Air Station fire squad will give a 21-gun salute, and Jeff McAllister will play "Taps."

Woolwich Selectman Lloyd Coombs, U. S. Army Veteran, and a member of the "We Remember" committee said recently, "To me Memorial Day was always a period of reflection. Today, I am reflecting on those men and women serving our country and the sacrifices they are making. I look forward to the day when there are no more names added to the list."

The "We Remember" committee includes" Charles Mesplay, Lew Sikes, Bob Meade, Roger Baffer Lloyd Coombs, and Steve Hadik of Woolwich. Other members include Ed Pert, Georgetown; Charles Turcotte, Diane Plummer, and Betty Smith, Lynn Maria Riotto, all of Bath.