Monument Park hosts Veterans Day events
HOULTON, Maine — A small crowd gathered at Monument Park in Houlton on a cold, blustery Friday morning to honor veterans who have served their country.
Hosted by the American Legion Chester L. Briggs Post No. 47, Friday’s ceremony was brief, lasting about 15 minutes. American Legion Commander Gene Ross welcomed those in attendance for the service and introduced the guest speaker, District 16 County Commander Rod Collins.
“I think I was the fifth person they asked to do this,” Collins joked as he addressed the audience. Collins expressed his appreciation for the many military families, who are often uprooted several times as those in the service are often dispatched to different bases.
Collins also spoke on the need to increase services for those veterans who are homeless.
“While the numbers are decreasing, too many veterans are still homeless,” he said. “As recently as 2014, an estimated 50,000 homeless veterans were identified in communities around this nation. That is roughly the population of Galveston, Texas.”
He also touched on the need for increased mental health services for veterans who may be suffering from different types of post-traumatic stress disorders and the importance of helping veterans get reacclimated to the business world.
“Let us remember the estimated 20 veterans a day who commit suicide,” he said. “Approximately 20 percent of Iraq and Afghanistan have experienced post-traumatic stress disorder. Veterans still face long wait times to use many VA facilities. We should frequently remind employers that veterans have been tested under pressure and completed unique training and display leadership qualities that would benefit almost any organization.”
Collins also asked those in attendance to take a more watchful approach toward caring for veterans.
“Veteran’s Day is a symbolic way of saying thanks, but we should insist that our elected officials produces meaningful laws and public policies that will enhance the quality of life for veterans and their families,” he said. “The American Legion is dedicated to remembering the legacy of all veterans because what these men and women have done for us matters to America.”
Chaplain Peter Roach opened and closed the ceremony with prayers; Phyllis Hersey read two poems she wrote about veterans; and Gerry Riley played both the National Anthem and Taps. A United States Customs and Border Protection helicopter flew over the park at 11 a.m.
“We appreciate the Customs helicopter for their support,” Ross said. “They protect our borders much like our veterans protect our country.”
