Hundreds gather in Houlton for Memorial Day service

HOULTON, Maine — Hundreds of residents filled Houlton’s Monument Park Monday morning to honor the men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice for their country. 

Monday’s festivities began at Soldier Hill with a brief ceremony that included placing wreaths for both the American and Canadian soldiers buried there, as well as the playing of taps by Gerald Riley and the firing of guns by the American Legion Honor Guard.

The focus then shifted to downtown Houlton, where a small parade passed through, pausing for a moment at the North Street bridge to allow veterans to toss a wreath into the Meduxnekeag River. The parade then continued to Monument Park.

Kris Watson, commander of the Chester L. Briggs American Legion Post No. 47, welcomed those in attendance and gave a few brief remarks on the significance of Memorial Day.

“This day is sacred with the almost visible presence of those who have gone on before us,” Watson said. “We honor the memory of those who gave their lives in service of our country and to those who have dropped their burdens by the wayside of life and gone to their eternal rest. May the ceremonies of today deepen our reverence for our departed friends and comrades. Let us renew our pledge of loyalty to our country and its flags. Let us also resolve by word and deed to emphasize the privilege and duty of patriotism.”

 

Commandant Eddie Lake of the Marine Corps League, a service organization, explained the significance behind the tossing of a wreath into the Meduxnekeag River.

“Let us not forget those who have no monument to mark their passing,” Lake said. “As tradition dictates, each year as part of our memorial service, we honor the memory of the brave who have perished while serving at sea by casting a wreath into the water. The firing of three volleys and the sounding of taps honor the memory of those whose remains are never to be relinquished by the deep blue sea.”

State Sen. Mike Carpenter of Houlton served as the guest speaker for Monday’s service.

“It is always a great honor to address a crowd of people on Memorial Day, to remind us of what the day is all about,” Carpenter said. “It is not just a three-day holiday. The most significant thing I have done in my life was to serve in the U.S. Army many, many years ago. I had the honor and privilege to lead a small group of men from all over our country in ground combat in Vietnam. I forged bonds and friendships that have lasted a lifetime.”

He added that younger generations have lost that element of connecting to someone in the military.

“Think about it,” he said. “There are young men and women fighting in places like Afghanistan today because of what happened during Sept. 11 that were maybe 1 or 2 years old when that attack occurred. The children singing here today were not even born when that war started. Therefore, it is up to us to remember and remind younger generations of what being a veteran is all about.”

A new addition to this year’s ceremony was the inclusion of musical selections by the Houlton Middle-High School band and chorus. Members of McGill’s Community Band also joined the ensemble, which featured several patriotic-themed songs.

The American Legion also provide a free barbecue luncheon following the ceremony.