Cutlines (silence 1) – Remembering comrades lost in war, a circle of veterans hold a moment of silent prayer on Monday evening at the home of Vietnam veteran Donald “Woody” Woodbury in Gorham. Staff photo by Robert Lowell

(silence 2) – In a Memorial Day service at the Gorham home of Woody Woodbury, in the middle of the front row, veterans place hands over hearts while taps played on Monday evening. Staff photo by Robert Lowell

(silence 3) – In a private ceremony on Monday evening at the home of Woody Woodbury in Gorham, Alan King plays taps, as veterans remember those lost in war. Staff photo by Robert Lowell

Silent prayer of remembrance

A Memorial Day ceremony on Monday evening at the home of Donald “Woody” Woodbury honored Americans who died in war and those missing in action.

A gathering of veterans joined hands in a circle for a moment of silent prayer, as they remembered their friends lost in battle. Preceding the moment of silence, Woodbury’s neighbor, Alan King, blew “Taps” on a bugle, as the veterans placed hands over their hearts while facing a flag over a garage doorway. King displayed a folded flag that had draped over the casket of his dad.

“I’m honored to do this,” King said about participating in the ceremony.

The people gathered, most of whom were from the Vietnam War, also included a veteran from World War II, the Gulf War and the Iraq War.

Following the ceremony, refreshments were served. Woodbury’s wife, Debora, cut and served a cake decorated in patriotic red, white and blue colors.

Woody and Debora have been hosting the special ceremony for five years. Woodbury said the ceremony has grown with more veterans attending each year. One veteran came from Florida to attend this year’s commemoration.

Cutline (Marines) – Three Marines pause for a photo following a Memorial Day service on Monday at Hillside Cemetery on Huston Road. The three are Town Councilor Calvin Hamblen, on the left, Jennifer Davis and Jim Hughes. Hamblen and Hughes served in Korea and Davis recently returned from Iraq. She is the daughter of Beth Ann and Ed Reny and granddaughter of Bill and Linda Stevens, all of Gorham. Staff photo by Robert Lowell

(memorial day 1) – Two Scouts stand ready to place a wreath in a Memorial Day observance on Monday. Staff photo by Robert Lowell

(memorial day 2) – This group participates in a Memorial Day service at Hillside Cemetery on Huston Road.

(memorial day 3) – Scouts parade in Little Falls on Monday.

(memorial day 4) – Gorham High School Band.

(memorial day 5) – Gorham firefighters.

(memorial day 6) – George Gerrish, commander of VFW Post 10879, discusses Memorial Day parade plans with Harold Freeman, on the left, Terry Wright and Jennifer Davis. Staff photo by Robert Lowell

(memorial day 7) – Gorham Police color guard.

(memorial day 8) – Staff Sgt. Harold Freeman of the 133rd Engineer Battalion drives a Humvee in Gorham’s Memorial Day parades.

(memorial day 9) – Boy Scouts salute after placing a wreath in a Memorial Day service on Monday at Eastern cemetery.

Bridge opening celebration Saturday

Gorham and Windham will celebrate the opening of a new pedestrian bridge over the Presumpscot River at Gambo at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 4.

Cindy Hazelton, Gorham recreation director, said local and state officials would participate in the ceremony. She said the bridge, built by the Maine Department of Transportation, completes the Presumpscot River loop trail section of the Mountain Division Trail.

Hazelton said the ceremony will be off Gambo Road in Windham. Parking will be at the Windham Soccer Complex on Gambo Road, a short walking distance to the bridge. Those attending the ceremony will have the opportunity to ride their bikes or hike the trail.

The original Gambo Bridge, built 85 years ago, has been closed to traffic since 1990 when a large truck broke through the planks.

Gov. John Baldacci has been invited to the opening celebration. Saturday is National Trails Day.

‘Old’ White Rock School reunion

A reunion for all former students of the “old” White Rock School on Wilson Road will be held from 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, June 26, at the former school, now the White Rock Community Club.

Those attending are asked to take pictures and stories to share about their school days. Class pictures will be taken at 2 p.m. on the day of the reunion and copies will be available for purchase. Lunch will be served.

For more information, call 892-4337.

GHS class of ’75 reunion

The Gorham High School class of 1975 will celebrate its 30th reunion on Aug. 13.

The reunion committee needs help contacting the following class members: Timothy J. Brown, Dana C. Fearing, Clayton A. Huff Jr., Mark D. Labrecque, Katherine (Hethcoat) Morrill, Judith (Mobarry) Oelfke, David W. Smith and Susan (Eastman) Beebe.

Anyone with information should call John Sawyer at 839-6771 or Donna Keene Shaw at 839-2203.

U.S. taxpayer debt

The Bureau of Public Debt reported on Thursday, May 26, that the U.S. debt was $7,781,373,341,944.80.