OLD ORCHARD BEACH — Every evening in the summer, a committed group of volunteers holds a flag ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park in Old Orchard Beach to honor a deceased person who has served our country.

The ceremonies are held at 6 p.m. sharp, and last about 10 minutes. Family members of a deceased veteran can schedule a ceremony to honor their loved one, or the committee will select someone to be honored. Ceremonies include music and a brief speech.

“There have been some really emotional moments,” said Flag Raising Committee member Dennis Robillard.

Veterans Memorial Park is located at Heath Street, across from the train platform. During the short but somber ceremonies, people walking through the park or playing basketball often take pause for a moment and pay respect, say committee members.

Robillard started the flag raising ceremonies in 2011, after hearing about a similar program elsewhere. Since then, the ceremonies have been held nightly from Memorial Day to Labor Day. The committee also holds special ceremonies to honor Sept. 11, Veterans Day and Pearl Harbor Day.

“The flag raising ceremonies present the opportunity to reflect on a portrait of our history and all the sacrifices that have been made to give us the freedom we possess today,” said assistant town manager V. Louise Reid.

Robillard said ceremonies can be recorded on Facebook so that family members and friends that live out of state or are unable to attend can view the ceremony live online or watch it later.

One such ceremony that was recorded on Facebook was an observance last August for deceased Air Force Master Sergeant William May, at the request of Air Force Veteran Ben Rausa.

Rausa, the Ironman Florida race director for World Triathlon Corporation, had heard of the ceremonies when in Old Orchard Beach the previous summer, and thanked volunteers for the work they did to honor veterans and giving him the opportunity to pay tribute to his friend.

Rausa said May had died three days before the ceremony, and back home in Florida, a ceremony was also being held in May’s honor.

“Bill meant a lot to a lot of people,” said Rausa. He said May and his family were in his thoughts.

“We miss you Bill,” said Rousa. “God speed, rest in peace.”

Any member of the public who would like to request a ceremony in honor of a deceased veteran can call Robillard at 468-0443 or email him at risc@maine.rr.com. Those honored need not have died in service.

— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be reached at 780-9015 or by email at egotthelf@journaltribune.com.

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