Memorial Day is busy time in Shiretown

White clouds against a blue sky, with the red, white and blue waving in the breeze symbolized Houlton’s annual Memorial Day observance.
At Evergreen Cemetery on Smyrna Street, a crowd gathered at the foot of Soldiers Hill to pay tribute to those who gave their lives for their country.
    “Always honor the memory of those brave soldiers who gave the supreme sacrifice so those of us may experience freedom in our country,” the chaplain prayed. “Heavenly Father, keep these families in your kind care. Bless them and comfort them in times of sorrow. Let us be reminded of life, liberty, justice, freedom and democracy that we may be ever grateful to you for those comrades who gave so much for their country.”
Then those designated walked the aisle between rows of crosses decorated with tiny flags to lay wreaths in memory of those who gave their lives in service to their country.
Soldiers Hill holds a special place in Ethel Rooney Schools’ heart. Upon the hill, her brother’s cross stands as a reminder of pride and bittersweet loss.
Little did her brother know that the work he provided for the town of Houlton on Soldiers Hill would become providential.
“My brother Lawrence Rooney came over and plowed this up about the start of the second World War,” Schools recalled looking toward Soldiers Hill. “It was so steep then and they didn’t have tractors that could do it. So, my brother came over with the horses and plowed it up. We lived right on the County Road. We farmed there, dad, mom and us kids. Then, he entered the war as an airplane bombardier. He was shot down over Germany.”
Rooney was in his early 20s.
“I try to come every year to these services to honor him and all of those who served,” she said.
“It’s a beautiful spot here,” Schools said. “It’s a gorgeous day and a good crowd out. It is wonderful. All the flags are flying and it’s just a beautiful, beautiful Memorial Day.”
The second part of the Memorial Day Observance started with a prayer and a wreath being tossed into the water off North Street Bridge to honor those servicemen and women who were lost at sea.
The parade of the American Legion color guard, dignitaries, Boy and Girl Scouts and the United Vets Motorcycle Club walked through Market Square to Monument Park.
In the park, the first order was a thank you to all those in attendance from American Legion Post 47 Commander Paul McDonald.
Prior to the regular ceremony, Bob Wright of the United Vets Motorcycle Club read the Honor Roll. As each name was read, it echoed through the microphone: Byron Adams, Albert P. Gaotou Sr., Thomas G. Folsom, Gerald A. McGillicuddy, Albert B. Lewis, Jr., Richard Maker, Kenneth Maker, Tom Butler, John L. Graham, George V. Scott, Sr., Harold L. Stoddard, James E. Benn, Charles W. Hand, Leonard J. Keyes, Sr., Richard A. Crandall, Orville “Sandy” Graham, Woodrow McKay and Lee D. Adams.
As the crowd became somber, Wright continued to read the names of soldiers Killed In Action (KIA): Harry McGuire III, Weston Langley, Stephen Porter and Jonathan Lowery. Then the chaplain prayed before the most recent name was read, as those in attendance bowed their heads.
“Almighty God and Father of all mankind and judge over nations, we pray thee to bless this memorial service to look down with favor and understanding upon hearts of those who are gathered here to pay tribute to Ltn. Zimmerman and for all of those who made the supreme sacrifice and for the benefit of all free men everywhere. Their deeds constitute a daily inspiration of those, like ourselves, who remain in their home communities. In God, we trust and may the faith of our fathers guide, protect and sustain our people. Amen.”
Then, the most recent name added to the Honor Roll was read —1st Ltn. James R. Zimmerman — in the still silence, a small voice from the crowd was heard saying, “Thank you” and the audience applauded.
“Comrades, this day is sacred with the almost visible presence of those who have gone before us,” said McDonald. “We honor the memory of those who gave their lives in the service of our country and those others who dropped their burdens by the wayside of life and are gone to their eternal rest. May the ceremonies of today deepen our reverence for our departed friends and comrades. Let us renew our pledge of loyalty to our country and its flag. Let us resolve by word and deed to emphasize the privilege and duty of patriotism.”
After the reciting of the prayer held at Soldiers Hill, guest speaker retired U.S. Navy Captain Torrey Sylvester of Houlton took the podium.
Sylvester reminded those in the park that Memorial Day used to be called Decoration Day, started in 1868 by Union General Logan to honor fallen veterans.
Logan’s specific words, according to Sylvester were, “For the purpose of strewing with flowers or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion.”
“It has since increased to include all wars that our country has been involved in, starting with the Civil War, North against the South,” added Sylvester. “All veterans in all wars are honored.”
He went on to tell of today’s soldier, sailor, Marine and airman who are now serving in Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan.
“Service above self,” as Sylvester’s voice cracked with emotion. “That’s what we honor.”
He went on to tell the audience if they wanted to see how many served in World War II to take a glance at the black granite wall near Cary Library. The wall was set up by Navy veteran and Houlton native Jack Smart.
The engraved white letters show about 1,100 names, said Sylvester.
“The highest percentage of servicemen to population of any town of its size in the United States,” he said. “Our World War II veterans are dying at the rate of 1,000 a day. Today’s young men who have given the ultimate sacrifice have a common bond to all veterans going back to the Civil War. Houlton has a proud tradition of service and Maine has a special place in our country’s wars.”
As Sylvester reviewed Maine’s history in wartime, he stated that Maine has 138,000 veterans, again, the highest percentage in the nation.
“Politicians wage the war, the soldier, sailor and airman volunteer to put their lives on the line,” he said. “Houlton has a proud tradition of service. Don’t let it die.”
The second speaker, Almon “Tiny” Hemore of the Disabled American Veterans spoke about why we should remember our fallen.
“It’s the duty of each and every veteran to relay the message,” he said. “Far too often, the nation as a whole takes for granted freedom.”
Hemore asked who were these nation defenders? They were relatives, friends, neighbors, sons and daughters who gave service to our society.
What are ways to keep the collective remembrance alive?
“Attending commemorative ceremonies and many visible ways such as monuments, dedication of monuments, wearing Poppies and Forget Me Nots,” Hemore said.
Wreaths were laid on the monuments and echoing through the park, a seven-gun salute and the playing of Taps. The Houlton High School band played Canadian and American national anthems before the ceremony concluded with Commander McDonald.
“Again, our nation has assembled to honor its heroic dead,” he said. “The thousand battles of land, sea and air echo the glory of their valiant deeds. Under the quiet sod or beneath the murmuring waves their bodies sleep in peace. But, in the destiny of veterans, their souls still marching on.
McDonald continued, “When we recall the things they did, the hero host seems mighty in our midst. When peril threatened and their country called, with what divine self-sacrifice they left their paths of peace to spring to arms. To make their breasts a barricade against the nation’s foes. No sorrow for the loved ones left behind could dim the purpose in their souls. No weariness of march and watch could keep them from their heart’s desire. No horror of the field, sea or air could beat their courage down. They fought for us. For us they fell. Now with one accord, in deepest reverence we do them honor. “
As the town bell struck the hour, McDonald finished by saying, “Let us grasp with fearless hands the flag so nobly borne before and like those others always plant it on the battlement of righteousness.”