Ceremony honors Maine’s fallen heroes

    AUGUSTA — Fallen Maine soldiers were honored Wednesday, May 25 as part of the state’s Global War on Terrorism Ceremony in the Hall of Flags at the State Capitol.
    Governor Paul LePage today participated in the solemn ceremony. Nearly one hundred people gathered in the Hall of Flags at the State House to honor Maine’s fallen heroes. Speakers included Peter Ogden of Maine Veterans’ Services, Adjutant General of the Maine National Guard Major General John Libby and Governor Paul LePage.
    During the ceremony an identification tag for 11 fallen soldiers was placed on the Battlefield Cross Memorial. An identical ID tag to the one placed on the memorial was presented to each family in a ceremonial box designed for today’s dedication.
    “Mere words cannot do justice to the sacrifices we have gathered today to honor and remember,” said Governor LePage. “We must come together to ensure that their memory is not lost or forgotten. They remind us that freedom is not our birthright, but rather is our inheritance from men and women who stood up to defend this nation.”
    The 11 ID tags placed on the memorial today join 39 other tags. In all, 50 Mainer’s have made the ultimate sacrifice between September 11, 2001 to May 25, 2011. The ceremony recognized the following Mainers: First Lieutenant James R. Zimmerman of Smyrna, Nov. 2, 2010, Afghanistan; CPT Christopher S. Cash of Old Orchard Beach, June 24, 2004, Iraq; LCpl Joshua M. Bernard of New Portland, Aug. 14, 2009, Afghanistan; PFC Jordan M. Brochu of Oakland, Aug. 31, 2009, Afghanistan; SGT Joshua J. Kirk of South Portland, Oct. 3, 2009, Afghanistan; SPC Wade A. Slack of Waterville, May 6, 2010, Afghanistan; SSG Brandon M. Silk of Orono, June 21, 2010, Afghanistan; SSG Eric B. Shaw of Exeter, June 27, 2010, Afghanistan; PFC Clinton E. Springer of Sanford, Sept. 24, 2010, Afghanistan; CPL Andrew L. Hutchins of New Portland, Nov. 8, 2010, Afghanistan; and PVT Buddy W. McLain of Mexico, Nov. 29, 2010, Afghanistan.
    The Battlefield Cross was dedicated to the State in 2009 and is displayed in the Hall of Flags. The inscription on the memorial reads:
    “State of Maine Global War on Terrorism Memorial. This Battlefield Cross stands as a lasting Tribute ‘To those who have made the ultimate sacrifice from a grateful State.’ Thank you for your willingness to serve our State and nation by answering the call to duty. With great pride, and deep sorrow we honor you for your sacrifice. You will be in our hearts and minds forever.”