May Newsletter

Memorial Day Event Schedule

We invite you to participate in our annual flag placements and ceremonies taking place at our Maine Veterans' Memorial Cemeteries.



Whether you're volunteering to place flags or attending one of our ceremonies, your presence makes a difference as we stand together with gratitude and remembrance this Memorial Day.

Do you know a Maine veteran whose service and continued contributions embody service and community?

The Maine Bureau of Veterans' Services is proud to launch the Veteran of the Month program—honoring those who have served and continue to make a positive impact in their communities.

We’re seeking nominations that highlight:

• Outstanding military service
• Meaningful post-service contributions
• A strong value of service and community

Submit your nomination today:

https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sv/jyCsSz1

June Veteran of the Month Deadline: May 16th!

July Veteran of the Month Deadline: June 20th!

Nominations carry over each month.

Episode 6 of the Maine Veterans Connection Podcast is Now Available!

This month, hosts John Williams and MBVS Communications Director Ryan Lorrain dive into the Maine Disabled Veterans' Controlled Moose Hunt and the Disabled Veterans Donated Permit Lottery.

Special guests include:

Dave Hentosh – Smoldering Lake Outfitters & Veterans Afield Foundation

Julia Hussey – Supervisor of Licensing & Registration, Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife

Lee Kantar – State Moose Biologist, Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife

Tune in now on your favorite platform:

Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/ffc5spph

iTunes: https://tinyurl.com/4xecjee4

REAL ID Compliance

REAL ID requirements beginning today, make sure you're ready to fly!

Here are just a few TSA-acceptable forms of ID at airport security.

For the full list of acceptable IDs, visit:

tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/identification

Veterans' Resiliency Symposium

May 16th

When: Friday, May 16, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Where: UMA Theatre & Gallery

Register now: https://namimaine.org/.../veterans-resiliency-symposium.../

Join NAMI Maine, Maine Bureau of Veterans' Services, and the University of Maine at Augusta for a powerful day of conversation, healing, and community — featuring keynote speaker Jim Chancellor, panel discussions, a film screening, and more.

Veterans attend for just $15 with code HalfOff.

Lunch provided.

CEU eligible!

Women Veteran Appreciation Day

The Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is proud to host our annual Women Veterans Appreciation Day on Friday, June 13, 2025, at the Maine State House.

This special event will honor the service and sacrifices of women veterans and feature inspiring speakers:

Kristina Sabasteanski – Director of the Veteran's Adaptive Sports & Training (VAST) Program and a U.S. Army Veteran

Christy Gardner – Founder & President of Mission Working Dogs a U.S. Army Veteran

Join us as we celebrate and recognize the incredible contributions of women who have served our country!

Register online today: https://tinyurl.com/53d96y3w

Veterans and Community Connection Expo

Saturday, May 31 the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and Maine Bureau of Veterans' Services are hosting our quarterly Veterans and Community Connections Expo at the Skowhegan Fairgrounds from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

This free family friendly event will feature music, food trucks, and other activities while providing the opportunity to learn about the incredible Federal, State, and local resources available to Service Members, Veterans, Survivors, and their families.

During these events, participants will have the opportunity to connect with mental health services, engage with representatives who can assist in building important community ties, and learn about safe-storage options aimed at preventing veteran suicide. 

May 16 - Veterans' Resilience Symposium, Homecoming & Moral Injury. 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Join NAMI Maine, Maine Bureau of Veterans' Services, and the University of Maine at Augusta for a powerful day of conversation, healing, and community — featuring keynote speaker Jim Chancellor, panel discussions, a film screening, and more. To register, visit https://tinyurl.com/3cjajt2v

May 22 - Freedom on Tap Business Networking and Fundraising to benefit Veterans Inc. 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m at Shipyard Brewing in Portland. Tickets $15 in advance, $20 at the door. Includes pizza bar and 1 free drink.

May 25 - 14th Annual Miles for Mills Memorial Day Weekend Race. 5K walk/run or 10k. 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Starts at 200 Neptune Drive, Brunswick. Please visit www.milesformills.org for more information.

May 26 - Memorial Day Cruise on the Songo River Queen II - The Naples Lions Club would like to invite you and your families on a one and a half hour Memorial Day cruise (private charter) to honor and pay tribute for your time served in the United States Military. Veterans or Active Duty Service men or women, and their immediate family board for free. Please inquire in advance if additional guests are desired. Please bring an ID or documentation to show active or prior military involvement. We hope you will come and enjoy a leisurely cruise along beautiful Long Lake. Complimentary bag lunch, snack, and water will be provided. For more information: https://tinyurl.com/3s6sy3hd

Memorial Day:

Central Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery (Augusta)

• May 24 – Flag placement at 9:00 a.m.
• May 26 – Ceremony 10:00 a.m. at Civic Center Drive

Southern Maine Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery (Springvale)

• May 23 – Flag placement at 9:00 a.m.
• May 26 – Ceremony at 1:00 p.m.

Northern Maine Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery (Caribou)

• May 17 - Flag placement on Avenue of Flags at 11:00 a.m.
• May 24 – Flag placement on graves – 11:00 a.m.
• May 26 – Ceremony at 1:00 p.m.

Winthrop American Legion Parade & Ceremony

• May 26 - Parade begins at 10:00 a.m., Ceremony to follow.

May 31 - Veterans, Service Members, and Family Expo at the Skowhegan Fairgrounds. 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Music, food trucks, and activities. Federal, State, and local resources will be on-hand.

June 13 - Women Veteran Appreciation Day. 1:00 p.m. at the State House, Hall of Flags. To register: Register today: https://tinyurl.com/53d96y3w

June 18 - Maine Military Community Network 13th Annual Conference. Connect with Maine based resources, full-day, in-person program with keynote speakers and breakout sessions. 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Augusta Civic Center. Register here: https://tinyurl.com/2u879p9t

***If you have an event you would like featured in our newsletter and website calendar, please email our Communications Director, ryan.e.lorrain@maine.gov