HODGDON, Maine — For the second straight year, a popular tribute to local veterans will not take place in a traditional manner.
Organizers for the 20th annual Hodgdon JMG Veterans Breakfast have come up with a drive-thru breakfast model in an effort to minimize contact between people due to COVID-19 concerns.
Slated for 7:30-9:30 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 11, the drive-thru breakfast will be a compromise. Similar plans were put in place last year, before the drive-thru was ultimately canceled. JMG officials are optimistic that this year’s drive-thru will take place.
“Our JMG group is excited to welcome the veterans and their family members back to Hodgdon for a free breakfast,” said Jason Little, JMG specialist at Hodgdon Middle-High School. “After last year’s drive-thru being canceled at the last minute, our hope was to be back to normal this year.”
Little added they approached the district’s administration about hosting the traditional event, and after much discussion, it was decided that an in-person gathering was not in the best interests of keeping students safe.
Traditionally, veterans and their families fill the gymnasium of Hodgdon Middle-High School for a morning of fine food, camaraderie, guest speakers and musical selections from the high school band and elementary chorus.
In 2019, nearly 200 veterans and their guests attended the event featuring a meal of eggs, bacon, sausage, pancakes and more.
“Our group is disappointed that we cannot serve the veterans in the gym with a full ceremony, but we are hopeful that next year that will be in place again,” Little added.
