Ashland unveils 9/11 memorial
As the nation observed the 14th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on this country, the town of Ashland honored the fallen heroes by dedicating the community’s newly erected 9/11 Memorial.
Sitting on a small lot near the town’s library and recreation center, the memorial features a chunk of steel from the World Trade Center, along with two engraved black granite benches and two flag poles on each of the back corners.
Ashland Fire Department Chief Don Bouley is responsible for envisioning the memorial and for obtaining the section of steel. The piece was acquired after Bouley had seen a similar memorial in Freeport and said he had thought to himself, “It would be nice to have a piece in Ashland.” Bouley recalled he made many phone calls and through diligence and fate, “found a piece” of this rare and hallowed remnant of American history which is now a permanent part of Aroostook County and the only one north of Brewer.
Bouley along with the Pioneer Lodge Masons of Ashland and a group of dedicated volunteers then saw the project come to life after countless hours of planning and constructing the site.
Despite the threat of rain Friday, a crowd of local citizens, officials and emergency personnel including the presence of many area firefighters and the Caribou Honor Guard gathered for the nearly hour-long commemoration which included moments of silence, prayers and guest speakers.
The Aroostook River Voices choral group opened the ceremony performing a collection of patriotic songs. Chief Bouley introduced a variety of guest speakers each of whom expressed continued reverence for those who lost their lives on that fateful day.
Phil Bosse, speaking on behalf of U.S. Senator Susan Collins, presented an American flag for the memorial site which was flown over the United States Capitol building. Collins also sent a personalized letter saying the memorial “brings distinction to our state and to Aroostook County.”
Sharon Campbell read a letter written by U.S. Sen. Angus King, who reflected on the memory of that day and how we as country “must never forget the sacrifice of our first-responders”.
Kim Rohn, district representative for U.S. Representative Bruce Poliquin also presented a flag which was flown over the U.S. Capitol. Ashland Town Manager Ralph Dwyer expressed his gratitude to the Ashland Masonic Pioneer Lodge, Chief Bouley and to the volunteers who dedicated their time to the project.
Mason Tom Pulkkinen, Deputy Grand Master of Grand Lodge of Maine, gave a poignant and commanding speech explaining the symbolism of the piece of steel used in the memorial.
“This steel beam is like a wedding band. They’re both really just a piece of metal, but symbolically they mean so much more.”
Pulkkinen then invited the community to acknowledge the meaning of the memorial every time they drive by it. “It’s a symbol to remember those who died.”
Mapleton Fire Chief, Richard Wark Jr., who is also the District Deputy Grand Master for the First Masonic District, presented the official dedication of the memorial.
“I stand before you as a proud American,” he began. Wark spoke of his whereabouts on that day 14 years ago and reflected on how as the years have passed, it seems people are beginning to forget. With his voice cracking, Wark said the memorial should serve “as a reminder and a tribute to every person who lost their lives that day.”
Lifting the black tarps that covered the memorial, members of Ashland’s Fire Department revealed the memorial benches and the steel centerpiece to a standing ovation from the crowd.
Chief Bouley on behalf of the 9/11 Memorial Committee presented awards to the Ashland Fire Department and the Pioneer Lodge and to Nelson Craig for volunteering his masonry skills in building the stone foundation which the memorial sits upon. Bouley then presented his wife Ann with a bouquet of flowers thanking her for the all the support she has given him.
In closing Bouley thanked the community for their support and attendance. After the ceremony the mood turned from somber to celebratory as community members and guests mingled and admired the memorial which has united and created a sacred place within this small northern Maine community.
