Maine Bureau of Veterans' Services

06/12/2026

Today, we were honored to celebrate and recognize Maine’s women veterans during Women Veterans Appreciation Day at the Hall of Flags in the Maine State House.

Thank you to our featured speaker, Senior Chief Joy Asuncion, U.S. Navy (Ret.), Governor Janet Mills, LTC Lisa Sessions, Nicole Frydrych, ME Quilts of Valor, our partners at VA Maine Healthcare System, and everyone who joined us in honoring the women whose service, leadership, and sacrifice have strengthened our nation.

Most importantly, thank you to Maine’s women veterans. We are grateful for your service.

06/12/2026

🚨 TIME UPDATE 🚨
Hey everyone! Just a heads up — the flag bearer ceremony today has been pushed to later in the day, as the flag won’t be arriving as early as originally planned.
🕐 Ceremony is now expected between 1:00 PM – 1:15 PM
The silver lining? This might open the door for MORE of you to join us! 🎉🇺🇸
We’d love to see a big crowd, so if you were on the fence — now’s your chance! See you there!

06/11/2026

With hotter temperatures in the forecast, it’s important to stay safe and cool. In Maine, heat-related illnesses become more common when temps reach the mid-to-upper 80s and above.

Cooling Centers may be opening across the state to provide relief, especially for those without access to air conditioning.

📍During hot weather check for open Cooling Center locations here: maine.gov/mema/response-recovery/mass-care

You may also dial 211 (or 1-866-811-5695) or text your zip code to 898-211 for a list of Cooling Center locations, or contact your local town office, fire, or police department.

06/08/2026

Looking for a veteran who may be interested in a free week-long canoe trip on the Allagash with Pine Grove Program!

We still have room for one more veteran, first responder, or law enforcement office on the FREE Allagash Canoe/Camping trip next month! June 15-20/21. We provide the transportation, Maine guide, meals, and land use fees. Please message ASAP if interested!

05/29/2026

Looking for a great way to spend time outdoors with family and friends? Maine's Free Fishing Weekend is this Saturday and Sunday, May 30–31.

Find everything you need at the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife website: 👉 https://www.maine.gov/ifw/fishing-boating/fishing/index.html

*Excludes those with suspended or revoked licenses.

05/29/2026

Thank you to Don Carrigan and NEWS CENTER Maine for including us on 207, highlighting the meaningful work being done by our dedicated staff at the Maine Veterans' Memorial Cemetery System.

Preparing Maine’s veteran cemeteries for Memorial Day; Buddy Doyle's "Maine Still Read"; and Maine Things To Do.

05/29/2026

Beginning Monday, June 2, memorial flowers will be removed from gravesites throughout our Maine Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery System as part of post-Memorial Day grounds maintenance.

Families wishing to keep memorial flowers are welcome to pick them up from the cemetery maintenance yard during normal business hours. Flowers will be held for two weeks and will be available through June 16. Any flowers remaining after that date will be respectfully disposed of.

Thank you for helping us maintain our cemeteries as places of honor, remembrance, and reflection for all who visit.

05/28/2026

A special Memorial Day Reflection.
Thank you Mr. Pelletier for sharing!