Category: Veterans

French Couple Seeks More Information About Fallen Sanford Soldier

Damien Le Youdec received a copy of Paul Duquette’s memorial banner from members of the Sanford-Springvale Historical Society as thanks for his interest in the young soldier from Sanford who died in France during World War II. Photo: Damien Le Youdec By Gail Burnett, copy editor Damien Le Youdec knows quite a bit about Paul Emile Duquette, a young soldier from Sanford who died in France in 1944, just 10 days after D-Day. He’s hoping someone in the community can…

Memorial Day 2024 Activities Planned

Compiled by Zendelle Bouchard Sanford will commemorate Memorial Day with a full day of activities on Monday, May 27, including a parade (weather permitting) and ceremonies honoring our nation’s fallen service members. Wreath Laying The Sanford Veterans Memorial Committee will kick off the day with wreath laying ceremonies at cemeteries and other locations around town. Committee members will gather at downtown Dunkin’ Donuts at 7:30 am and proceed by car to the following locations, in this order, to lay wreaths.…

Hand-carved Eagle Honors Veterans at SMVMC

A hand carved wooden eagle honors veterans at Southern Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery. Photo: Joe Doiron By Zendelle Bouchard The Southern Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Springvale has a beautiful new hand-carved wooden eagle gracing the Committal Shelter. The eagle was created by James McCain of Portland, founder of Eagles for Veterans, a nonprofit organization that provides the carvings free of charge to veterans’ organizations across the country. The eagle is approximately four feet high and three feet wide and…

Free Gym Memberships Available to Vets

Press Release Maine veterans are eligible for a free membership at the Sanford-Springvale YMCA, thanks to a partnership between the YMCA Alliance of Northern New England and US Department of Veterans Affairs. Since the Togus VA Medical Center closed its gym and swimming pool during the pandemic, veterans have lacked a dedicated facility to support their wellness. This new partnership provides qualified veterans with the opportunity to join their local YMCA, free of charge, with a referral from their VA…