Memorial Day activities draw many to Houlton

Blue skies and brisk winds ushered in Memorial Day 2009 in Houlton. The ceremonies began at Soldier’s Hill at the Evergreen Cemetery on Smyrna Street, ending in Monument Park.
    Dr. Richard Goodwin, member of the Sons of the American Legion served as master of ceremonies. He introduced Mike Boutot, chaplain who offered a prayer for the departed comrades who rest in our soil and beyond the deep waters.
Commander Calvin Mooers of the American Legion, Chester L. Briggs Post 47 welcomed veterans, family and friends to the ceremony marking this day of honor and remembrance for the soldiers that have served the United States of America and those that have not returned to tell about their experiences defending our country.
The color guard stood proudly at the top of the hill with flags representing the United States of America, the Maine flag, a flag for each branch of the service and the POW flag. The honor guard, a group of five fired the gun volley and Gerald Riley, a Viet Nam veteran played “Taps”.
Mrs. Josephine McGuire, an auxiliary member and whose son Harry McGuire III was killed in Viet Nam in 1967 laid a wreath at the Soldier’s Monument.
At the North Street Bridge, Commander Mooers dropped a wreath into the Meduxnekeag River in memory of the veterans of the Navy. From the bridge the American Legion Post 47 members marched up through Market Square escorted by various law enforcement agencies and a group of Girl Scouts to Monument Park where a crowd of approximately 200 waited for the ceremonies there. The Houlton High School Band played “Oh, Canada” and the National Anthem to begin the program. Master of ceremonies  Dr. Rick Goodwin introduced Chaplain Mike Boutot who offered a prayer. Milt Bayliss, a 1952-53 veteran of the Korean War serving with the Marines and one who also served in Viet Nam in 1964 in the 120th Aviation Company was the guest speaker.
Bayliss recalled the sacrifices the men and women made for our country and how those sacrifices were beyond description. He also remembered those mothers and fathers that gave up their sons and daughters to the many branches of service. He said, “A physical wound can be treated, but the pain suffered by the loss of a loved one is immeasurable.”
Wreaths were then laid at the base of the Veterans Memorial  Monument, bugler Riley played “Taps” and the honor guard fired the gun volley.
Commander Mooers and Jeff Targonski, legion member then folded the American flag as Goodwin read the meaning of each fold for those in attendance.
“The first fold of our flag is the symbol of life. The second fold is the symbol of our belief in eternal life. The third fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veterans departing our ranks who gave a portion of their lives for the defense of our country to attain peace throughout the world. The fourth fold represents our weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in time of war for His divine guidance. The fifth fold is a tribute to our country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, ‘Our Country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right; but it is our country, right or wrong’; the sixth fold is for where our hearts lie. It is with our heart that we pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all. The seventh fold is a tribute to our Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that we protect our country and our flag against all her enemies, whether they are found within or without the boundaries of our republic. The eighth fold is a tribute to one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day. The ninth fold is a tribute to womanhood and mothers. For it has been through their faith, their love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great have been molded. The tenth fold is a tribute to the father, for he too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of our country since they were first born. The eleventh fold represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon and glorifies in the Hebrews’ eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. The twelfth fold represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in the Christians’ eyes, God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. The thirteenth fold, or when the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost reminding us of our Nation’s motto, ‘In God We Trust’.”
Following the flag folding this verse was read describing the meaning of the flag.
“This banner of love and devotion, is a living memorial of the courageous thoughts of our comrades, the ones you came here to honor this day. The blue field represents the sky that overlooks our land and denotes the watchfulness of God the Eternal. The red stripes tell us of the blood, sweat and tears that have been offered and conquered by our comrade’s devotion to the responsible freedom of his country. The white stripes boldly proclaim the peace that he/she helped to bring to our future generations. This is his/her flag. This is our special heritage. Receive it with the tears of our minds and the faith of our hearts.”
In closing, Commander Mooers asked those in attendance to pledge themselves anew to the patriotic service of our country.