Keynote speaker describes ‘selfless actions’ of Medal of Honor recipient
CARIBOU, Maine — Despite cold weather and light snow, a large crowd of veterans and local residents showed respect for those who served in the armed forces on Veterans Day at the Northern Maine Veteran’s Cemetery.
NMVC Executive Board Chairman Harry Hafford gave opening remarks Friday and, along with presenting the new committal shelter, called on Treasurer Fred Ormezanni and Secretary Linda McGlinn to unveil a framed poster listing every individual and organization responsible for donating to the project.
“This fundraising began in 2015 and there were many who stepped up early to start the momentum,” said Hafford, “even some from as far away as Florida. It is not possible to take the time to thank everyone from individuals, businesses, rotary clubs, and others who have donated so generously. I hope you take a moment to look at this poster before you leave.”
After unveiling the display, Hafford announced that the remodeled shelter was dedicated in memory of four veterans who passed away.
“The shelter is being dedicated to Jim Day, a purple heart war veteran; John Barlow, a Vietnam veteran who died of Agent Orange complications; Raphael “Ray” Guerrette, a World War II vet who died of old age; and Donald “Don” Raymond, a Vietnam veteran assigned to the National Security Agency,” Hafford said.
Before welcoming keynote speaker Kris Doody to the stage, Hafford also unveiled a special plaque honoring those who served their country in the armed forces.
“The government, starting in the 1940s, gives a flag to all families of deceased veterans as a symbol of respect and a sign of tribute to those who have secured the blessings of liberty,” Hafford said. “This has evolved from a flag draping the casket to folding the flag and presenting it to the family with a sincere thanks from a grateful nation.”
“This plaque will be placed on the curved wall in the committal shelter as a permanent reminder of the respect we hold for all veterans,” Hafford added.
Keynote speaker Doody, RN, CEO of Cary Medical Center, told the story of Caribou born Sgt. Donald Sidney Skidgel, who sacrificed himself for a convoy his unit was guarding by driving through enemy fire and manning a machine gun while they were under attack.
Posthumously awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor, Skidgel was mortally wounded while defending the convoy.
“Despite the hostile fire concentrated on him, he succeeded in silencing several enemy positions with his machine gun,” said Doody.
“Moments later Sgt. Skidgel was knocked down on the rear fender by the explosion of a rocket propelled grenade. Ignoring his extremely painful wounds, he staggered back to his feet and placed effective fire on several other enemy positions before he was mortally wounded by hostile small arms fire.”
“His selfless actions enabled the command group to move to a better position without casualties,” Doody continued. “Sgt. Skidgel’s gallantry at the cost of his own life keeps with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit on him, his unit, and the United States Army.”
Maintaining the tradition of the Northern Maine Veterans Cemetery’s annual events, Loring Job Corps posted colors and the Legion Riders of Madawaska gave a 21-gun salute. Additionally, Vicki King directed the Caribou High School Chorus in a performance of the National Anthem and “God Bless America,” and high school trumpeter Meagan Dube played “Taps” for the event.
