With the weather threatening rain (or snow) and winds cold and gusting, a respectable size crowd of local veterans, area residents and state dignitaries ignored the brisk weather as they gathered at the Northern Maine Veterans Cemetery in Caribou, to honor and remember veterans who have or are presenting serving the U.S. Military on Veterans Day.
Charles E. Summers, Jr., Maine Secretary of State and guest-speaker at the mid-morning event, spoke of the commitment and honor upheld by all service personnel in all wars as they face duty and sometimes destiny.
Remarks from U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, read by Phil Bosse, state office representative for the Caribou native senator, included in part, “Across our state and throughout our nation, Americans pause today to honor the brave men and women who have secured our freedom by their duty, honor and sacrifice. We do this because we know we cannot fully enjoy our freedom without remembering the great price at which it has been purchased.
“We gather on the solemn anniversary of a specific moment in time — the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918 — when the roar of cannon was silenced by courage and commitment. Ninety-three years later, we keep this day sacred not to celebrate a great victory but to honor the virtues that bring peace.
“Today nearly 24 million Americans proudly wear the title of veteran. There are more than 138,000 veterans here in our great state of Maine. In addition to our gratitude, we must also repay our debt with health care, rehabilitation services, housing, educational and employment opportunities that our veterans have earned by their sacrifice to our country.”
In a letter read by Barbara Hayslett, district representative for U.S. Congressman Michael Michaud, the congressman said in part, “ Every Veterans Day Americans come together to remember those who have served our country around the world in the name of freedom and democracy. The debt that we owe to them is immeasurable. It is because of their sacrifices and those of their families that we are able to be here today, enjoying the rights and freedoms we all have. Without the brave efforts of all the soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines our Coast Guard and their families, our country would not be what it is today.
As we honor our men and women who have worn the uniform this Veterans Day, a new generation of veterans continues to serve in Iraq and Afghanistan. We pray for their safety and we hope they return home to their loved ones as soon as possible.”
U.S. Senator Olympia Snow via a letter read by Sharon Campbell, regional representative stated, in part: “Indeed, nothing unites us more as Mainers and Americans than the limitless pride we take in our 23.4 million American veterans, more than 138,500 of whom live in our great state. From our founding to the present, America has been tested time and again and we have not only survived, but thrived. When the clarion call to serve was sounded, our veterans — the pinnacle of who we are as Americans — answered with a nobility of purpose reserved only for the bravest and finest among us.”
Following the guest speakers and musical selections performed by Wendell Hudson, Sec. State Summers and Harry Hafford, chairperson of the Northern Maine Veterans Cemetery Corporation, presented the laying of the wreath.
Pastor James W. Ackerson provided the Invocation and Benediction; members of the American Legion Post 147, Madawaska performed the 21- Gun Salute and “Taps” were presented by Frederick Ormezzani. Carl McGlauflin assisted by Paul Beaulieu served as emcee for the annual event.
