Veterans’ Corner dedicated
By Scott Mitchell Johnson
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — The American and POW flags will fly at Winnie’s Restaurant and Dairy Bar in Presque Isle thanks to a partnership between the restaurant and the Smart/Ricker Chapter 10 Disabled American Veterans.
Staff photo/Scott Mitchell Johnson
OFFICIAL DEDICATION — A Veterans’ Corner at Winnie’s Restaurant and Dairy Bar in Presque Isle, which includes a 30-foot tall flagpole that will fly the American and POW flags, trees, pavers and a plaque, was dedicated Oct. 29. The Veterans’ Corner was developed by the restaurant and the Smart/Ricker Chapter 10 Disabled American Veterans. Attending the dedication and flag-raising were, from left, front row: Clarence McLaughlin, historian; local DAV life members Craig Corbett and Max R. Parks, Donald Pelkey, commander; Mark McKenna, Winnie’s owner; Rod Cameron, treasurer; and Jim Gehring, adjutant, DAV Department of Maine. Back row: DAV members Paul Clockadile and Bob Robinson, and Denis Madore, senior vice commander.
“About a year ago I was thinking about ways to give back to the veteran community, so I came up with an idea of selling a particular burger with the proceeds going to the local DAV,” said Winnie’s owner Mark McKenna. “They came up with the name ‘Patriot Burger,’ and from that point on, we’ve had a great partnership.
“I had mentioned to them that I wanted to have a flagpole here but didn’t have the funds to put one in,” he said, “and one of the veterans, Max R. Parks, donated the flagpole and flags. The DAV also donated the plaque, labor and all that’s associated with this Veterans’ Corner, so I really appreciate their participation.”
The Veterans’ Corner, located on the south end of the restaurant, was dedicated Oct. 29. In addition to the 30-foot tall flagpole, the site also feature trees, pavers and a plaque dedicated to all veterans.
Staff photo/Scott Mitchell Johnson
MAX R. PARKS, left, a life member of the Smart/Ricker Chapter 10 Disabled American Veterans, and Donald Pelkey, commander, attach the American flag to the new flagpole at Winnie’s Restaurant and Dairy Bar that was dedicated Oct. 29. In addition to the 30-foot tall flagpole, the Veterans’ Corner at the restaurant also features trees, pavers and a plaque dedicated to all veterans.
“We’re proud to be able to do this for the veterans,” McKenna said. “It’s just something small that we can do for them after they’ve done so much for our country.”
Jim Gehring, adjutant, DAV Department of Maine, said this is the first time a business and a community have worked together with the veterans’ service organization.
“Our whole goal is to identify and help veterans and their families,” he said. “Mark supports that, so it made sense to partner up with Winnie’s. We take the proceeds from the burger and turn it back into the community by helping veterans and their families with things such as fuel assistance, groceries and home modifications. It’s a win-win deal for everybody.”
The POW flag is intentionally flown upside down.
“It’s a constant reminder that we still have veterans who are not home,” said Gehring, “and that’s what it’s all about.”
Staff photo/Scott Mitchell Johnson
FLYING HIGH
— The American and POW flags were flying high following a flag-raising ceremony held Oct. 29 at Winnie’s Restaurant in Presque Isle.
Gehring said the flags will fly through Veterans Day. In the spring, a plaque listing donors’ names will be affixed to the exterior wall behind the flagpole.
Other businesses contributing to the Veterans’ Corner include Lowe’s, which donated the stone pavers; Nic-Cait Construction, which did the landscaping and groundwork; and Dan Hanson & Son Construction, which constructed the pavers pad. The Chapter also wishes to thank Craig Fay for coordinating the project.
Editor’s note: Although Winnie’s is in the process of being sold, McKenna said he has made preservation of the Veterans’ Corner an expectation of any future ownership.
