HOULTON, Maine — A picture-perfect day and a chance to see, and hear, a cannon firing drew a large crowd to downtown Houlton Monday, as the community paid tribute to those who gave their lives for their nation.
Early in the morning, a ceremony was held at the Soldier’s Hill cemetery on Smyrna Street, which included a brief service and placement of wreaths and flowers at the American Legion memorial marker.
“Let us always honor the memory of those soldiers who gave the sacrifice supreme so that those of us may experience freedom in a country that is true,” said Chaplain Peter Roach at the Soldier’s Hill ceremony.
Following a parade through Market Square, which included a stop at the Meduxnekeag River Bridge for the tossing of a ceremonial wreath, a larger gathering met at Monument Park, where the Houlton High School band performed “Oh Canada” and “The Star Spangled Banner.” Additional wreaths were also placed on war memorials in the park.
The firing of a 75mm Pack Howitzer cannon by members of the Maine State Select Honor Guard at Soldier’s Hill cemetery, the Gateway Crossing Bridge and in Monument Park proved to be a popular new attraction to this year’s ceremony.
Equally moving for many in attendance, however, was the poignant singing of “God Bless America” by Houlton High School senior Keegan Fitzpatrick. His stirring rendition drew a loud applause from those gathered in Monument Park.
The ceremony also featured a flyover by a United States Customs and Border Patrol helicopter, as well as speakers Mike London, commander of American Legion Post No. 47, and Nichole Jordan, first vice commander and members of the United Motorcycle Veterans.
“We honor the memory of those who gave their lives in the service of our country and to those others who have dropped their burdens by the wayside of life and gone to their eternal rest,” London said. “May this ceremony keep in reverence our departed friends and comrades. Let us renew our pledge of loyalty to our country and let us resolve by word and deed to emphasize the privilege and duty of patriotism.”
“Freedom is not free,” Jordan said. “It is only possible because of our fallen heroes, who have paid the high price. A price paid, which allows us to have ceremonies and observances like this one in towns across our great country.”
She explained that while sacrifice have occurred in all American tours of duty, the fallen have not always been honored with a day of dedication.
“The first Memorial Day, was not called Memorial Day,” Jordan said. “It is believed to have been celebrated with a parade of freed slaves and Union soldiers marching through Charleston, S.C. in 1865. Waterloo, N.Y. is considered the official birthplace of Memorial Day, because after it was observed there on May 5, 1866, all communities were called upon to honor the dead each year.”
