PORTLAND and AUGUSTA, Maine — In advance of Veterans Day on Sunday, Nov. 11, Bishop Robert P. Deeley of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland and Gov. Paul LePage issued statements commemorating the service of Maine veterans.
“Let us never forget the many men and women who have served our country at the risk of their lives to defend the liberties we enjoy,” said Bishop Deeley. “On Veterans Day, in a special way, we remember those who have paid the supreme sacrifice dying in their service to country. All of these generous men and women have served us so that we might live in peace.
“Let us honor these heroes by living gratefully the freedoms we enjoy for the good of our country and all its citizens. We thank our veterans for their service, their families for their sacrifice, and pray for the protection and healing of all who have selflessly preserved our freedom,” the bishop said.
He added, “We keep in prayer as well those who are this day in harm’s way, continuing their service to country and the protection of our way of life.”
In his weekly radio address, Gov. Paul LePage said, “We can never repay our veterans, but we can honor them and treat them with the dignity and respect they deserve. My administration has made veterans a priority. Jobs, education, state park passes and taxes are just some of the areas where Maine demonstrates our appreciation for our veterans.
“Our veterans returning from World Wars I and II and Korea were welcomed home with much appreciation, but our Vietnam Veterans were not extended the same warm welcome, despite having served their nation with honor,” the governor continued. “The dignity, service and endurance of these heroes reminded us that we must do all we can to show our appreciation for those who served our nation.
“As a result, the members of our Armed Forces have been treated more respectfully and with greater gratitude and understanding. It was a difficult lesson to learn, but we have taken it to heart.
“Maine has the second-highest number of veterans by population of all states, and their active presence in our communities reminds us of the need to give back as they have given and continue to give us.
“For those veterans and their families who want to take advantage of any service we provide for veterans, please contact the Bureau of Veterans Services. The Bureau is there to help, and their website provides information to assist you and your loved ones.”
LePage concluded, “On this Veterans Day, Ann and I call to mind all our heroes who bravely fought in World War I and the joy they must have experienced to know that the terrible war was over at last. And we thank all our veterans for their selfless devotion to our nation. We will always be in your debt.”
