CARIBOU, Maine — On May 12, the iconic Avenue of Flags at the Northern Maine Veterans Cemetery in Caribou was adorned in even more glory than the ever-present atmosphere of honor and sacrifice that emanates from the already picturesque landscape. This day, however, the Avenue was once again lined with the stars and stripes of Old Glory, after friends and family members proudly raised our nation’s flag in honor of deceased veterans from all over the country.
Families from all over the state attended Monday’s annual Flag-Raising Ceremony, as 30 flags were dedicated to and raised in honor of veterans who served in wars spanning the last 75 years, from the early years of World War II all the way up until the Gulf War, better known as Desert Storm. Those who dedicated flags and were unable to make a lengthy trip from places like Madawaska or Grand Isle, were afforded honorary stand-ins, such as Rep. Carol McElwee, of Caribou, as well as many others who each raised a flag to aid all those who could not attend.
Thirty flags are now flying over the Avenue, brightly lining the cemetery entrance. The road, ironically and most likely coincidently, winds off 37 Lombard Road, in Caribou, and curves up much like another well-known Lombard Street, a street once visited by many of the brave soldiers returning home from World War II — some of whom may have even honored on May 12.
The winding pathway is now ornamented with a red, white and blue canopy of patriotism and respect that can only be felt in a place honoring brave heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice for not only their country, but everything they believed in.
Approximately 100 people, including family members, friends, veterans and members from groups such as the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) and the Caribou VFW attended this year’s annual Flag-Raising, where of the 30 flags raised, 29 will be flying in memory of specific deceased veterans. Veteran Clarence McLaughlin of the DAV’s chapter 10 in Caribou was in attendance and seemed enthusiastic about this year’s crowd turnout on a cold and rainy Monday morning in Aroostook County.
“This is usually one of our bigger turnouts,” McLaughlin said in regard to the annual Flag-Raising. “This is an area that really knows how to get behind, as well as pay tribute to our nation’s veterans.”
The 30th and final flag, a flag donated after being previously flown over the White House, was raised by current Armed Forces members, who hoisted this last flag in honor of all American veterans, past and present.
All 30 of the recently raised flags will fly at full mast 24 hours a day, until after Veteran’s Day. Any family and friends who wish to learn more about dedicating a flag to a deceased veteran can contact Harry Hafford, chairman of the Northern Maine Veterans Cemetery Corporation at 435-6024 or 768-0252.
