Woolwich native Roger Brawn presided over what he hopes will be a new Veterans Day tradition, the ceremonial laying of a wreath at the town’s historic war memorial at Laurel Hill Cemetery. Thursday’s gathering was one of two events Woolwich held honoring its veterans. The other, at Nequasset Meetinghouse, was hosted by the Community Events Committee.

“It seemed like this was the right time to remember this historic monument,” Brawn said. He added, the cemetery off Route 127, or Middle Road, is geographically almost the exact center of town.

There are 71 veterans buried here from wars stretching all the way back to the War of 1812. The monument was placed here to honor those who answered the call to serve their country during the Civil War, the Spanish-American War and World War I. Brawn, a 38-year veteran of the U.S. Army, said a rededication of the monument was last held in 2011. That’s when an ‘s’ was engraved after World War meant to include World War II veterans. The Korean War, Vietnam War, Gulf War and Global War on Terror were added as well.

Reverend Thomas Tuck of First Baptist Church provided an invocation. “World War I was referred to as ‘the war that would end all wars.’ But that sadly wasn’t the case, there were other wars that came after, and much blood was shed to protect our freedoms. This is why we come here today, to remember those who gave their lives in defense of our nation and way of life. We should always remember their sacrifice.”

Tuck added, some history isn’t pleasant but if we can learn from it, we can go into the future better prepared. Tuck is also a military veteran, having served 20 years in the U.S. Navy. The church where he officiates is a short distance from the cemetery.

Laurel Grove Cemetery Association which Brawn is president of said it will honor the veterans interred here by placing wreaths on each of their graves. The group raised money and bought them from Wreaths Across America. “We’re planning to place them on the morning of Dec. 18. That’s the same day the wreaths are shipped from northern Maine to Arlington National Cemetery,” he said.

Brawn retired from the military as a sergeant major. He and wife Greta have volunteered several times to place wreaths at Arlington. “My goal is to someday be able to purchase enough wreaths to place on every veteran’s grave in the town of Woolwich.”

The memorial at Laurel Grove Cemetery was erected Oct. 12, 1941, about two months before the attack on Pearl Harbor. The eight-foot-tall rectangular granite column was originally known as the “Sailors’ and Soldiers’ Monument.” Two granite benches were placed in front of the monument and later a flagpole with a bronze eagle on top, that swivels and points the wind direction, were added. On the knoll behind the graves is a grove of mountain laurel from which the picturesque cemetery gets its name.

Other members of Laurel Grove Cemetery Association are Lori Vining, treasurer/secretary, Allen Brawn and Charlotte Kaplan. Also attending were Woolwich Selectmen Dale Chadbourne and Allison Hepler, who is also State Representative for District 53. Chadbourne helped Tuck place the wreath in front of the memorial. Then “Taps” was played. Light refreshments were served afterwards.