OAKFIELD, Maine — The rain broke and the sun began to shine on Monday’s Memorial Day ceremony in Oakfield.
With overcast skies, “Taps” drifted on the breeze blowing through the Oakfield Cemetery after an initial blessing, gun salute and laying of a wreath to honor the fallen soldiers by members of Frank B. Holden American Legion Post 52. Then there was a stop to remember those who were lost at sea, as a wreath of flowers was tossed over the bridge in Oakfield and another gun salute honored those men and women.
There was a brief reprieve between the solemn services with a Memorial Day parade. Several floats, fire trucks, vintage cars and trucks, the Oakfield softball and baseball teams, walkers with candy, a float full of veterans made their way through town to the Southern Aroostook Community School band playing, as the procession finished at the new Oakfield Veterans Memorial.
A brief ceremony began with Adjutant James Burton welcoming the many who took time out of their day to remember those who gave all. Pastor Sterling Lawrence of the Bethel Pentecostal Church offered a prayer and Commander Robert Burton thanked the townspeople and those who donated to the new veterans’ monument located adjacent to the Bethel Pentecostal Church. Burton also updated those in attendance on the remaining plans for the veterans’ monument.
Guest speaker Kimberly Rosen took the microphone to offer her words on such a special occasion.
“I join you to observe Memorial Day as a daughter of Oakfield and the daughter of a veteran, George Clark,” she said. “This day is set aside to celebrate and honor U.S. men and women who have died serving our country in the military. Their selfless actions and sacrifices for our country is not lost on those of us who are proud to call Maine home.”
Rosen encouraged stories to be handed down to the next generation about someone who died serving their country. By doing so, those who died will not be forgotten and their memories will be preserved.
“I think it is important to share with our kids the importance of freedom,” she added. “Observing Memorial Day is a great reminder of the rich history of America and the great sacrifices suffered by so many to deliver this country to where it is today.”
Rosen, with tears in her eyes, recalled one of the community’s own heroes, Lt. James Zimmerman, who was killed in action Nov. 2, 2010 in Afghanistan by sniper fire. Rosen, who is friends with Zimmerman’s aunt and grandparents, expressed the hole left in the heart of the community.
Zimmerman was laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery and a Marine Corps Reserve Training Center in Brunswick will be dedicated in his memory.
Looking at the four-corner veterans’ memorial, Rosen said, “This wonderful memorial reminds us all that the citizens of Oakfield, Smyrna, Dyer Brook, Island Falls and surrounding towns will never forget all of the sons and daughters of our community, who served and died for our future.”
Those who have lost a loved one to war continue to grieve, carrying a heartache that seems too heavy to bear. But that is when community comes alongside of that family and lets them lean on their strength.
“Our grateful nation and state honors their selfless service and we acknowledge a debt that is beyond our power to repay,” said Rosen.
