Karen Wessell Hull
Maine wreaths placed on veterans’ graves in France
Wayne Hanson participated in a distinct honor: helping place more than 9,300 Maine balsam wreaths on markers of American soldiers buried at the Normandy American Cemetery in France. These wreaths were made by the Worcester Wreath Company in Harrington, ME, owned by University of Maine graduate Morrill Worcester ’73. Morrill is the founder of Wreaths Across America, a nonprofit organization that places wreaths on veterans’ grave markers all across the US.
“This was the first time wreaths made in Maine were allowed to be placed overseas in France,” reports Wayne. “We hope to place several thousand wreaths at the American Cemetery in Luxembourg in honor of the 75th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge.”
Football fund honors legendary linebacker
UMaine athletics, in association with the University of Maine Foundation, has established the John R. Huard, Sr. Football Fund, in honor of the legendary linebacker and his contributions to the college’s sports program. John is among the most notable players in UMaine football history. He was a two-time, first-team Little All-America linebacker from Waterville. He played for the Denver Broncos and was inducted into the National Football Foundation’s College Football Hall of Fame. He was also the inaugural inductee into UMaine’s “Ring of Honor” at Alfond Stadium.
The Huard Fund was launched with $350,000 in committed contributions. The fund will focus on planned giving in support of the football program. It will include bequests, charitable gift annuities, charitable trusts, and other options, including cash or stocks.
“The Huard name has always been associated with excellence in UMaine football,” said Director of Athletics Ken Ralph. “This new fund establishes new ways for donors to support our ongoing efforts to sustain championship-caliber football in Orono while recognizing and honoring the players who made the program what it is today.”