Staff Writer
The rain was trying to hold off as veterans, friends, family members community members and those representing veterans’ organizations gathered to witness the dedication of the Memorial Footbridge, recently constructed at the Maine Veteran’s Cemetery in Caribou.
Aroostook Republican photo/Barb ScottCongressman Michael Michaud, John Noble, Joyce Noble and Harry Hafford attended the Sept. 18 dedication of the recently constructed foot bridge at the Maine Veteran’s Cemetary in Caribou, shown bottom right.
The footbridge which now allows easier access to the Memorial Park site at the cemetery was dedicated in honor of John and Joyce Noble and their family of Caribou. The Nobles have been continuing strong advocates regarding veteran affairs and were responsible for donating the land on which the cemetery is located.
Harry Hafford, chairperson of the Northern Maine Veteran’s Cemetery Corp., informed the large group in attendance of the Noble’s history and on-going generosity the couple have provided in assisting, not only with cemetery projects, but with issues so important to veterans and their families. The Caribou couple have extended insurmountable commitment to the Maine Veteran’s Cemetery and to veterans through unselfish volunteer hours and in-kind donations to the facility.
Hafford stated. “John and Joyce are kind and generous, always ready to help out. John has no reservations about projects, and he is always there to follow up asking if everything is OK and if there is anything else needed to be done. This dedication ceremony is a small token but in no way adequate, thanks for all you do.”
Congressman Michael Michaud was the key note speaker for the dedication of the Memorial Footbridge, who in congratulating the Nobles stated, “ This is a very fitting tribute John and Joyce Noble’s commitment to veterans and to this veterans’ cemetery. Each time that a need has arisen that would appear to stall a project or interrupt progress at the cemetery, the Nobles have responded with pure generosity,” he continued. “Their donations have inspired others to step forward in support of this cemetery. The Nobles have helped make the dream of a final resting place for veterans in Aroostook County a reality. A veteran himself, John has dedicated countless hours to make sure that those who served our country have a beautiful, peaceful final resting place,” remarked the Congressman.
Members of the Loring Job Corps Honor Guard, under the direction of Roger Felix, unveiled the dedication plaque which is mounted on a granite rock at the site of the Memorial Footbridge.
A memorial certificate was also presented to the Nobles by Congressman Michaud and Hafford.
