By Barbara Scott
Staff Writer
On Friday, Sept. 17, there will be a ceremony at the Northern Maine Veterans’ Cemetery in Caribou, in recognition of POW/MIA Day. Every year, on the third Friday of September, veterans, their families and other community members set aside time to remember and honor those military men and women who never (or have yet to) returned home from their service duties, fulfilling the promise that they will never be forgotten.
Harry Hafford, chairperson of the NMVC has announced that Gov. John Baldacci will be the keynote speaker at the ceremony.
Other guest speakers during the MIA/POW remembrance ceremony will be Melissa Graham, administrator of the Maine Veterans’ Home in Caribou; regional representatives for U.S. Sens. Susan Collins and Olympia Snowe, Phil Bosse and Sharon Campbell respectively, Barbara Hayslett, district representative for U.S. Congressman Michael Michaud; and Hafford.
The program will also include the posting of the colors by Sgt. Major Roger Felix and members of the Loring Job Corps Color Guard; the placing of the Memorial Wreath; vocal selections by Mariah Brewer; a 21-Gun Salute by members of the American Legion Post 147, Madawaska; and Taps presented by Fred Ormezanni. Chaplain James Morgan will provide the Invocation and Benediction. Rod Collins, event emcee and ceremony chairman, will offer closing remarks.
The public is encouraged to attend the Sept. 17, POW/MIA Day Ceremony. The Northern Maine Veterans’ Cemetery is located at 37 Lombard Road in Caribou.
