Oakfield honors veterans

OAKFIELD, Maine — Memorial Day services were plentiful in southern Aroostook as a number of communities held parades and services to honor those who gave their lives serving for our country.
    In Oakfield a parade and ceremony was also held. The parade wound its way from the Community Center to the Frank B. Holden Post No. 52, where a moving tribute to fallen soldiers was given. The service also recognized the efforts of one soldier in particular — Ken Lilley. A World War II veteran, Lilley was presented with several medals earned for his service in the military.
The Rafford family was also recognized with the “Four Blue Star” award, honoring Clark O. Rafford, Robert D. Rafford, Donald P. Rafford and Andrew C. Rafford, for their service to our country. The inscription for the flag read as follows:
“In recognition and grateful appreciation for serving in the United States Armed Forces in the name of freedom and democracy, and for allegiance to God and country in courageously protecting our liberty and independence.”
Jim Burton served as master of ceremonies, welcoming the large group of residents who came out to show their support. Pastor Gary Johnson offered opening and closing prayers, while Town Manager Candy Nevers spoke on the patriotism shown by those who gave their lives.
State Representative Henry Joy also addressed the crowd before tossing a wreath into the Mattawamkeag River.
“As we gather here to pay tribute to the men and women who have given their lives to protect this country from our enemies, let us remember that we are joined by many others in towns and cities across America,” Joy said. “When our forefathers established this republic, they had just completed a successful war against England — a kingdom with many more resources, men, arms and warships. However, the difference was England was seeking to control. The Americans were fighting for their freedom.
“They gained that freedom, but knew each generation needed to be prepared to fight to keep that freedom going,” he continued. “Our history has shown this to be very true. If we stretch our memories, we can all remember friends and relatives who gave a portion of their lives to serve in the continuation of those freedoms for each of us.”
A small white table, symbolizing those who gave their life in service, was on display. Burton explained the significance of the items on the table.
“The table is a way of symbolizing the fact that many of our comrades in arms are missing from our midst,” he said. “They cannot be with us because of their supreme sacrifice. The small table, set for one, symbolizes the frailty of man against the enemy.
“The tablecloth is white, symbolizing the purity of their intentions to respond to their country’s call to arms. The single rose displayed in a vase reminds us of the families and friends who kept the faith awaiting their return. A slice of lemon is on the bread plate to remind us of their bitter fate. There is salt on the bread plate to symbolize the tears of the families who awaited their return. The glass is inverted for they cannot toast with us this night.
“Finally, the American flag folded is for interment. It is there to signify a solemn reminder to us that many of our comrades did not return to our shores and to pay tribute to their supreme sacrifice to ensure the freedom of our beloved United States of America.”
Burton also said American Legion Post No. 52 was in the process of raising money to erect a veteran’s memorial.
“We decided a couple of years ago that we needed a veterans’ war memorial in this town,” Burton said. “In order to do this, we found out we needed roughly $30,000. We have raised half at this point in time.”
Bricks are being sold with names of those who have given their lives in the service inscribed on the bricks. For more information on the bricks, contact Burton at jaburton@pioneercable.net.