OLD ORCHARD BEACH — Every Saturday evening during the summer, at 6 p.m. sharp, a small group of volunteers assembles at Veterans Memorial Park, 4 Heath St.

In the midst of all the summer pandemonium - teens playing basketball, children frolicking in the playground, pedestrians passing by – the group puts on a somber flag-raising ceremony honoring a deceased veteran.

It’s a simple, straight-forward event, and typically lasts about 10 or 15 minutes. Patriotic music is played and a short speech of remembrance to the person honored is spoken.

 Last Saturday, the ceremony honored former Senate Majority Leader Robert Dole of Kansas, a World War II veteran who received two purple hearts and a bronze star. As God Bless America played from a portable stereo, a few people taking a stroll in the park paused for a few moments to salute the American flag.

Dennis Robillard began the tradition of the flag-raising ceremonies in 2011, after hearing about a similar project in another part of the country. From 2011 to 2019, he and other volunteers performed the ceremonies nightly during the summer months. Robillard stepped back from leading the ceremonies for a few years,  but is now in the forefront again.

He, along with other volunteers are hosting flag-raising ceremonies every Saturday through Sept. 2, as well as on the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, POW/MIA day, Veterans Day and Pearl Harbor Day.

The flag-raising group invites community members to contact them if they have a deceased friend or family member they would like honored in an upcoming ceremony. To schedule a ceremony, call or text Robillard at 207-468-0443.

Old Orchard Beach resident Carol Marcotte, had her late husband, Donald Marcotte Sr., a Korean War Veteran, honored at a flag-raising ceremony last month. A biography of his life was read, Taps and the Army Song were played, and ceremony was very moving, she said.

“It was extra special, because people passing by the Veterans Memorial Park stopped to watch the ceremony and provided thoughtful comments ,” she said. “I would suggest that if anyone has a deceased veteran that they take this opportunity and take part in this very special raising of the flag event in honor of their loved one who served our country.”

Publisher Liz Gotthelf can be reached at [email protected].