The family of 1st. Lt. James R. Zimmerman — from left, mother Jane Zimmerman, sister Meghan Foster, and father Tom Zimmerman — listen to speakers Thursday at a special ceremony to honor his memory. (Joseph Cyr | Pioneer Times)
HOULTON, Maine — It was a cool, rainy day on Nov. 2, 2010, when the lives of Tom and Jane Zimmerman were forever changed.
It was the day the Zimmermans learned their son, 1st Lt. James Zimmerman, had been killed in the line of duty while serving with the U.S. Marines in Afghanistan.
So perhaps it was only fitting that on Thursday, the seventh anniversary of their son’s death, it was once again raining as friends and family gathered at Riverfront Park in Houlton to witness the unveiling of a new flagpole monument dedicated to their son.
“I want to thank Tom and Jane,” said Edward Lake, commandant for Detachment 1368 of the Marine Corps League, who organized the event.. “We are so sorry for your loss. He (James) was a wonderful man.”
Gov. Paul LePage was invited, but unable to attend the ceremony. Lake read from a letter that LePage sent to commemorate the occasion. “The first lady and I have the utmost respect and appreciation for servicemen and women who protect our nation,” Lake read. “Lt. Zimmerman gave his life fighting for our country and we will forever be grateful for his service.”
Lance Cpl. Ted Bowers, left, and Marine Corps Detachment 1368 Commandant Edward Lake unveil a plaque honoring 1st Lt. James R. Zimmerman during a special ceremony in Houlton Thursday.
(Joseph Cyr | Pioneer Times)
Houlton Police Chief Tim DeLuca served as the guest speaker for the rainy ceremony.
“Today is specifically special to me as I have a son, Dominic, who is currently serving in the U.S. military,” DeLuca said. “We are here today to honor 1st Lt. James R. Zimmerman. We have awarded medals to many soldiers; added many names to monuments; and named buildings to honor them for their bravery, but nothing can ever replace the hole left behind.”
A letter from U.S. Sen. Susan Collins also was presented to the family, along with a flag that had flown over the U.S. Capitol building.
“This feels so special,” Jane Zimmerman said. “Here we are, seeing Marines stand outside in the rain. I know it is special for them as well. It’s a blessing to me that we can include them here today.”
“We are very honored,” said Zimmerman’s sister, Meghan Foster. “We are overwhelmed at how many people are here, especially given the rain.”
Tom Zimmerman said he had been thinking a great deal about those people who stand up when others fall.
“I know a number of young Marines who stood up when James fell and I so appreciate that,” he said. “I also appreciate all those who are in law enforcement who stand everyday for what James stood for and for what our country stands for. It overwhelms us.”
Zimmerman was just 25 years old when he was killed by small arms fire while leading his men to engage the enemy on Nov. 2, 2010, in Afghanistan. A massive funeral service was held in Houlton, before his remains were transported and laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery.
Edward Lake, right, commandant of Detachment 1368 of the Marine Corps League speaks to those gathered in Houlton Thursday to honor 1st Lt. James Zimmerman. Houlton Police Chief Tim DeLuca, left, served as the guest speaker. (Joseph Cyr | Pioneer Times)
Zimmerman was born May 18, 1985, in Presque Isle, the son of Thomas and Jane (Kendrick) Zimmerman. His parents, along with his sister Meghan Foster, were on-hand for Thursday’s plaque unveiling.
Zimmerman graduated from Greater Houlton Christian Academy in 2003 and joined the Marines that same year. Upon graduating from recruit training and the school of infantry, he joined Company A, 1st Battalion, 25th Marines in Topsham. Zimmerman eventually was assigned as platoon commander for the 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine regiment of Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. In May of 2010, he was promoted to the rank of 1st Lieutenant and was deployed June 13, 2010, to Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom.
While in Afghanistan, 1st Lt. Zimmerman quickly built a sound and well-deserved reputation for his leadership, keen tactical judgment, and care for his fellow Marines, according to his commanding officers and men. Most notably, his platoon was tasked with securing a sector within the city of Marjeh — arguably one of the most dangerous places in Afghanistan — where they owned a battle space more appropriate in size for an entire rifle company, according to previous accounts from the military reported in the Houlton Pioneer Times.
During his military career, 1st Lt. Zimmerman earned the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with combat distinguishing device, the Combat Action Ribbon, the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and finally the NATO Medal — ISAF Afghanistan awards.
This plaque has been placed at the base of a flagpole in Houlton’s Riverfront Park to honor 1st Lt. James Zimmerman, who was killed while serving in the Marines in Afghanistan on Nov. 2, 2010. A dedication ceremony was held at the park on the seventh anniversary of his death. (Joseph Cyr | Pioneer Times)
The plaque placed at the base of a flagpole in Riverfront Park was made and donated by Houlton resident Ted Bowers, assistant funeral director at Bowers Funeral Home in town. Bowers is a lance corporal in the U.S. Marine Reserves attached to Alpha Company 1/25th out of Brunswick. He also was a student at Greater Houlton Christian Academy at the same time as Zimmerman.
“I remember him being a great man and from what I have heard, a great Marine,” Bowers said. “My home training center in Brunswick is named after him.”
