CARIBOU, Maine — Veterans recently held a Spirit of ‘45 ceremony to honor the 70th anniversary of World War II at the Northern Maine Veterans Cemetery.
Spirit of ‘45 ceremonies take place all over the world; they are a celebration of World War II veterans as well as those who stayed in America and helped manufacture equipment for the soldiers.
Nearly 300 were in attendance for the Aug. 16, 2015 ceremony. Some were family and friends of the veterans while others had actually fought in World War II.
“I would like to say that these World War II veterans’ service, deeds, and sacrifices at places like the beaches of Anzio, the Battle of the Bulge, the Leyte Campaign of the Pacific, Southern France, Rhineland Germany, Normandy, and the Battle of Luzon, preserved the freedoms we all enjoy today,” said Harry C. Hafford, chairperson of the Northern Maine Veterans Cemetery Committee,
“The women who stayed home and volunteered to make aircrafts and ships also deserve our thanks. The reason we’re enjoying our freedoms today is because of these folks. We thank them one and all on behalf of a grateful nation,” he added.
Hafford delivered the opening remarks for the ceremony, and was followed by keynote speaker Sylvia Getman, president and CEO of TAMC. Philip L. Michaud, retired Colonel of the United States Army (Airborne Ranger) was also a guest speaker at the event.
Jamie Deschense performed the National Anthem and “God Bless the USA.”
Caribou Fire and Ambulance, U.S. Border Patrol, Young Marines, Loring Job Corps students, and American Legion Post 15 served as Honor Guards. Jerry Riley of Houlton, a member of Buglers Across America, played taps for the ceremony.
