Woolwich residents gathered in the historic Nequasset Meetinghouse for their annual Memorial Day service Monday evening. The featured speaker, Selectman and District 53 State Rep. Allison Hepler, told about the history of Memorial Day which started during the Civil War in the 1860s and how so many communities today claim to be the place of the holiday’s origin. Woolwich was celebrating its 119^th Memorial Day. The country, Hepler said, was united in honoring those who served in the armed services and died during wartime.

“We can disagree and remain united. We can keep our hearts open and remain united. We can live in different neighborhoods, worship in our own ways, and remain united … And remain united, even in our imperfectness. We have to ... because in the end, this day, Memorial Day, is about the living and how we live together,” she said.

Rev. Ron Lavender of Woolwich-Wiscasset Baptist Church gave the invocation. Along with service members who lost their lives during times of war, he asked all to pray for the safety and well-being for the men and women now serving. Following the singing of “God Bless America,” a scripture reading was given by Rev. Tom Tuck of First Baptist Church.

A local band, The Montsweagers, provided music for the service, finishing with their rendition of “Ashokan Farewell,” the poignant theme from Ken Burns’ Civil War series. Among the evening’s highlights was a stirring rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” sung by Roxanne Althouse with  Dr. Paul Althouse playing the national anthem on the meetinghouse’s vintage pipe organ. The Althouses are members of Day’s Ferry Congregational Church.

Debbie Locke, president of Woolwich Historical Society, opened the service by introducing Robert Meade, a Korean War veteran who then led the gathering in a salute to the flag. Meade was a corporal during his military service and served in the Army and­ the Marine Corps. Pastor David Ouellette of North Woolwich Methodist Church gave the benediction. At the conclusion of the service, a goodwill offering was taken for the town's American Flag Fund. American flags are displayed along Route 1.