Staff Writer
STOCKHOLM — An air of appreciative patriotism was prominent at the American Legion Perkins-Plourde Post 136 on May 24 as a humble crowd gathered out of respect and active thanks toward fallen soldiers, prisoners of war, and soldiers missing in action.
Aroostook Republican photo/Natalie Bazinet
WWII veteran Philip Spooner drove himself up to Stockholm from Biddeford to participate in the Memorial Day ceremony at the American Legion Perkins-Plourde Post 136 and to ensure that an American Flag had been placed on the grave of his great-great-grandfather, who was a civil war veteran.
Andy Olson, first vice commander of the Department of Maine American Legion, gave the POW/MIA toast, describing the significance of each table item.
From the salt on the plate which represents tears of their family members, to the American Flag, “[that reminds us that many of them will never return and that they made the supreme sacrifice to ensure our freedom,” Olson said.
After the completion of the Post Everlasting Ceremony, the group moved outside for the deposit of a memorial wreath in the river and a firing squad Salute.
The tasteful ceremony attracted many patriots, including one veteran who drove up to Stockholm from Biddeford.
Philip Spooner, a veteran of WWII, has a very special reason for taking a trip to The County every Memorial Day. Not only does Spooner enjoy attending the ceremony at the American Legion Perkins-Plourde Post 136, “My great-great-grandfather was a Civil War veteran,” Spooner explained, “Every year I’ll carry a flag up here from [Biddeford] to make sure that he has a flag on his grave.
Spooner, who participated in the Battle of the Bulge and ate K Rations with General Eisenhower, spends a portion of his free time at hospitals, schools, and nursing homes educating the public about WWII.
Contributed photo
Patriots concluded their Memorial Day celebration in Stockholm by depositing a memorial wreath into the Little Madawaska River. The outdoor portion of the ceremony concluded minutes before a drenching rain shower.
