December 14, 2020

Maine Veterans' Cemetery System Announces National Wreaths Across America Events

AUGUSTA, Maine (December 14, 2020) - On Saturday, December 19th, the Maine Veterans Cemetery System (MVCS) will be joining Wreaths Across America (WAA) for National Wreaths Across America Day; albeit events will look a bit different this year.

Wreaths Across America will be delivering wreaths to Maines four veterans cemeteries, and those wreaths will be laid on gravesites of our veterans by WAA volunteers. In years past, the Maine Veterans Cemetery System received very generous donations of additional wreaths that would arrive either the day of, or a few days after, formal events. Due to COVID-19 and social distancing guidelines, the MVCS will not be asking members of the public to assist in the laying of wreaths.

Maines Veterans Cemeteries will be open normal hours for visitors to place wreaths at the site of their loved ones grave.

"The Maine Veterans Cemetery System will continue to honor the service of our veterans," stated David Richmond, Director of the Maine Bureau of Veterans Services. We understand the importance and significance of a family member paying their respects during these difficult times; however, we must also take into consideration the health and well-being of our grounds crew and the public.

Scott Brown, Superintendent of the Maine Veterans Cemetery System offered remarks of caution. We ask our visitors to be mindful of those who are more susceptible to this virus as well as our dedicated staff. While we encourage families and friends to pay their respects to their loved ones, we also ask that for public safety purposes, our visitors adhere to social distancing guidance in our cemeteries.

In observance of the Christmas holiday, the Maine Bureau of Veterans Services will be closed on Friday, December 25th. Normal office hours will resume on Monday, December 28th at 7:30AM.

For more information on the Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery System, please visit the Maine Bureau of Veterans Services website at: http://maine.gov/veterans/memorial-cemetery-system.

About Maine Bureau of Veterans Services The Maine Bureau of Veterans' Services was established in 1947 by the State of Maine and is part of the Maine Department of Defense, Veterans and Emergency Management. Our mission is to help Mainers who served, and their loved ones, understand and navigate the benefits, services, and programs available to them. The Bureau is headquartered at Camp Keyes and has six field service offices located throughout the state and a claims office located at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Togus, Maine. The Bureau also operates the Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery System which includes four veterans cemeteries. For more information about the Bureau or to request assistance, please visit our website at www.maine.gov/veterans.