Woolwich celebrated Flag Day, Thursday, June 14 by dedicating its newly painted pedestrian tunnel to longtime resident and community volunteer Robert Meade.

Meade was unable to attend the mid-morning ceremony held at the tunnel’s western entrance. Meade is a Korean War veteran who served as a corporal during his military service. He also served in two branches of the U.S. military — the Army and­ the Marine Corps.

“For many years Bob has been a volunteer on many committees here in the community,” said Select Board Chairman David King Sr. “These include serving on the Monument Committee that looks after the Tanner Square Memorial that’s just a short distance from where we’re standing.”

Before the signs dedicating the tunnel were unveiled, members of the Woolwich Central School band played a medley of patriotic tunes that culminated in a rendition of  “The Star Spangled Banner.” There was also a salute to the flag carried by the Girl Scout Troop 1569 color guard.

Selectman Allison Hepler thanked the students, elementary school staff and adult volunteers for their many hours cleaning up and painting the tunnel.  Funds to buy paint, brushes and other supplies for the project were raised by the school’s PTA. Lowe’s in Brunswick donated some of the paint.

In a note to the town office, resident Jim Gabor wrote the tunnel project couldn’t have happened without the select board’s support, especially Hepler, who provided much of the coordination needed.

“Thank you, thank you all. The neighbors are all very grateful. I think this is a very distinctive feature of the town that we can all be proud of,” he wrote.

Gabor was among the adults who helped paint the tunnel walls.

Selectman Jason Shaw said the community appreciates what the schoolchildren accomplished. “It really looks nice now that’s it’s finished. I’d encourage folks to take a few moments and come down and have a look.”

The tunnel is on Route 1, just south of Cumberland Farms. The state built it during construction of the new Sagadahoc Bridge for pedestrians and bicyclists to safely cross the busy highway.

Students painted a mural on its cement walls last month to cover graffiti.