Staff Writer
The Maine Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery in Caribou, on Wednesday, Nov. 11, will be the site of a Veterans Day program, held in honor of those who have served their country through military service. “Veterans Day, originally known as Armistice Day, is an annual American holiday honoring military veterans, traditionally observed on the 11th month and the 11th day — the anniversary of the signing of the Armistice that ended World War 1,” reminds Harry Hafford, chairperson of the Northern Maine Veterans Cemetery Corporation. “All major hostilities ended on the 11th month, the 11th day and the 11th hour of 1918,” continued Hafford.
“Today there are just about 25 million veterans in the United States, of which, more than 10 thousand reside in Aroostook County. I urge everyone to take a few hours on Veterans Day to come out and honor all of America’s veterans for their service in keeping America free,” Hafford said.
The Veterans Day program at the Maine Veterans Cemetery in Caribou will begin at 11 a.m. and will include the presence of members of the Loring Job Corps Honor Guard. Guests will be welcomed by Linda McGlinn, mistress of ceremonies and Rev. David Cote will provide the invocation. Following the singing of the National Anthem, by Janice LaPointe, McGlinn will introduce the guest speakers.
Speakers at the Nov. 11 ceremony are to include: Harry Hafford, chair NMVCC; Sharon Campbell, regional representative for U.S. Sen. Olympia Snowe; Phil Bosse, state office representative for U.S. Sen. Susan M. Collins; and Barbara Hayslett, district representative for U.S. Congressman Michael H. Michaud.
Keynote speaker for the late morning event will be Matthew Dunlap, Maine Secretary of State, introduced by Hafford.
Following the guest speakers, vocalist Janice LaPointe will sing, “Amazing Grace” at this time Sec. of State Dunlap and Hafford will place the memorial wreath. A 21-gun salute will be offered by members of the American Legion Post 147, Madawaska; Taps will be presented by Fredrick Ormezzani and the annual ceremony will close with a Benediction by Rev. Cote.
Area residents are invited and encouraged to attend the Veterans Day ceremony at the NMVC in honor of a day set aside to give all Americas a chance to honor the nation’s veterans from all eras, including those men and women presently serving in the Armed Forces.
The Maine Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery, Caribou is located at 37 Lombard Road.
