Staff Writer
In observance of National POW/MIA Day, Sept. 18, a ceremony was held at the Maine Veterans’ Cemetery in Caribou. As an impressive slate of state and local dignitaries in attendance, stood beside veterans, representatives from local American Legion and VFW organizations and area citizens, the skies opened up and though a steady downpour might have condensed the memorial program, no one deemed the wind and rain more important than showing their respect for the military service men and woman being honored.
Former POW
George Berube,
Caribou
Among guests and speakers recognized were POW veterans George Berube of Caribou and Chester Nickerson of Presque Isle.
The ceremony opened with a welcome statement from Wayne Little, ceremony chairman followed by an invocation by Rev. Gordon Compton. Annie Charles sang the National Anthem after which time guest speakers were introduced. Due to the inclement weather, letters from U.S. Sen. Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins, which initially were to be read by Sharon Campbell, regional representative for Sen. Snowe and Phil Bossie, state office representative for Sen. Collins were presented to Harry Hafford, chairperson of the Northern Maine Cemetery Corp.
Keynote speaker for the POW/MIA Ceremony was U.S. Congressman Michael Michaud, who spoke briefly stating, in part, “Together, as we remember and reflect as a nation, we will never forget the Americans who came before us and who continue to serve this great country. We honor our service men and women and celebrate their accomplishments on behalf of a grateful nation.” The congressman continued, “Each year, this day serves as a national day of observance to remember those that are not with us and those that have endured imprisonment for their service to their country. For those that are still not with us, we pray and we pledge to never forget.”
In her letter addressed to Veterans, families and friends, Sen. Collins wrote (in part), “America pauses on National POW/MIA Recognition Day to reflect on the heroism of our fellow citizens who endured the hardship of enemy confinement, and those whose fate in time or war remains unknown. Throughout every state in the union, Americans fly the somber POW/MIA flag from federal, state and local government buildings. It flies at national and military cemeteries, veterans’ posts, schools, hospitals, businesses and on front lawns. It is a powerful symbol of our obligation to former prisoners of war and those who are still missing in action.”
The U.S. Senator from Caribou, ended her message by writing, “We gather today to honor those who fought for freedom and who experienced the worst of war. We gather to honor their families, who stand united for the loved ones who have yet to return, who speak with a powerful voice for those we cannot hear. We join them in reaffirming our sacred oath to persevere in our commitment to the fullest possible accounting of every patriot who has answered the call to defend our nation. That is America’s solemn pledge. To our former prisoners of war, to those still missing in action and to the families who continue to pay a terrible price for the freedom we enjoy, our message is clear and unwavering — you are not forgotten.”
Former POW
Chester Nickerson,
Presque Isle
U.S. Senator Olympia Snowe wrote in her letter (in part), “There are no words to adequately express our limitless gratitude and immeasurable debt to those heroic service members whose unimaginable sacrifice and unyielding devotion to our country will forever stand as an example and inspiration to us all — on this and every day. We are also ever mindful of those who have yet to return home or be accounted for. They and their families are always very much in our thoughts and prayers and especially on this day. It remains our unwavering pledge to their families, our country and the world that we will not rest until we resolve our POW/MIA cases. We will never ease our vigilance to keep the faith with those who have so nobly kept faith with us.”
Following Congressman Michaud’s words, Annie Charles sang a second vocal selection, “Amazing Grace.” Congressman Michaud and Harry Hafford then placed the ceremonial POW/MIA wreath at the Memorial Park stone.
Rev. Gordon Compton offered the Benediction at the conclusion of the ceremony.
