SANFORD — As darkness fell, candles were lit and words were spoken ”“ some with difficulty as the memories of war lingered, many years after the guns fell silent.

On Tuesday, as they have for the past several years, veterans and supporters gathered for a simple but heartfelt ceremony at Gowen Park gazebo in an early recognition of Veterans Day.

“This is an opportunity for veterans and community members to honor and remember the service of our veterans and to honor and remember our own service,” said Amy Marcotte of the Sanford Vet Center.

Sanford High School students enrolled in the Naval Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps at Massabesic High School posted the colors.

The pledge of allegiance was said as the full moon rose in the sky and passed behind a cloud.

Veteran Preston Hood read “Ohio,” a poem about a veteran friend.

“Let go of sorrow,” he intoned. “Let sorrow go. At times, it is hard to do.”

Kelly Perry of the Sanford Vet Center read a poem by Rit Pinette about the Vietnam War and the nearly 60,000 names on the memorial wall in Washington, D.C.

Marcotte lit the first candle.

She spoke of the pain that war causes for individuals, families and the community and urged those who are in pain to seek help.

“I light this candle for all veterans and their family members,” she said.

One by one, veterans and supporters stepped up to light their candles from a central flame. Some spoke, recalling old friends or family members, while others kept their memories quietly.

— Senior Staff Writer Tammy Wells can be contacted at 324-4444 or twells@journaltribune.com.

Veterans Day Events

Observances marking Veterans Day are scheduled to take place in several communities Friday:

”¢  In Biddeford and Saco, the annual Veteran’s Day parade begins at 10 a.m. at Veterans Memorial Park, at the corner of Alfred and Pool streets in Biddeford, and makes its way to Eastman Park on Main Street in Saco, where a ceremony will take place immediately following the parade. U.S. Senator Olympia J. Snowe, R-Maine, will march in the parade and deliver remarks at the ceremony.

In case of inclement weather, the ceremony will be held at 11 a.m. at the C.K. Burns School, 135 Middle St. Extension in Saco.

”¢  In Sanford, a Veterans Day ceremony is set for 11 a.m. at Memorial Gym, 678 Main St. with Lt. Nathaniel Robinson of the Portsmouth, N.H. Coast Guard station as guest speaker. The Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Program, which includes students from both Sanford and Massabesic high schools, are scheduled to take part, along with the Sanford High School band.

Ӣ In Old Orchard Beach, two flag-raising ceremonies have been set, the first in front of the flag pole at the American Legion on Imperial Street at 11 a.m. Officials will be gathering at the Legion at 10:30 a.m. in advance of the ceremony. At 2:30 p.m., a flag-raising ceremony will be held at Veterans Memorial Park, corner of Staples and First streets.

”¢ On Sunday in Sanford, Sanford Elks and Vietnam Veterans of America will host a Veteran’s Appreciation Luncheon at the Elks Lodge, 13 Elm St., from 1-4 p.m. Director of Maine Bureau of Veterans Services Peter Ogden is guest speaker. Call to reserve a space, as seating is limited: 490-2094 or 432-2743. Veterans dine free, guests, $5.