Caribou VFW names Edgecomb auxiliary president for the year

On Saturday, May 20 the Lister Knowlton VFW Post in Caribou held its 70th anniversary ceremony.

During the Ceremony over 100 VFW and Community members came together to share in a great lunch and an opportunity to celebrate the post’s achievements. During the event VFW Charter Member David O. Michaud cut the official 70th anniversary cake and the VFW Commander Roger Felix spoke to the crowd on the importance of this milestone for the Caribou Post. Commander Felix also spoke of the posts history and how 70 years ago a group of men returning from WWII came together to build a club that they could call their own. He told of how through raising their own money and getting spare lumber from farmers, they built the VFW building so those who went off to war had a place to call their home, as well as a place to remember the ones that never came home.

During the ceremony David O. Michaud, the only remaining charter member, was present to receive the honors for the post. A humble hero David, who says he is just one of many, received the awards for the post to honor the occasion. During the ceremony the VFW District 1 Commander John Bouchard presented the Patriots Pen and Teacher of the Year awards to the District 1 winners Chloe Sleeper of Caribou, for the District Patriots Pen award, and Nason Graham from the Loring Job Corps for Teacher of the year district award.

The post Commander Roger Felix presented awards to the post, on behalf of VFW member Douglas Michaud who was too ill to attend, the Bingo chairman plaque as well as a bible promoting him to honorary Chaplain.

Phil Bosse, from Senator Collins’ office, and Barbara Hayslett, from Senator Angus King’s office, presented a Congressional record from both Senators that was read on May 11 to honor the 70th milestone of the post. In addition they presented a flag to VFW Charter Member David O. Michaud who serves as the only remaining charter member of the post. The flag presented to David O. Michaud was flown over the Capital in his honor on May 11, which is the actual anniversary date of the post.

Kim Rohn, from Congressman Poliquin’s office, presented a flag flown over the capital in honor of the post along with a personal congratulations letter to the post on its many accomplishments and a wish for many more. Kim presented the flag and letter to Post Commander Roger Felix.

The Loring Job Corps Honor Guard presented an award to State VFW Adjutant Andre Dumas for his generous support to the Loring Honor Guard program. The group also presented a flag, and certificate to the post, of a flag they had flown for the post at Arlington National Cemetery at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The flag and certificate were presented to David O. Michaud and Roger Felix to be placed for all to see in the post lounge. The Post Commander Roger Felix presented a leadership award to Peter Miesburger for his leadership and dedication to the Caribou VFW and the nation.

The cornerstone of the ceremony was when everyone in attendance did what they could to hold tears back as Phil Bosse read a letter addressed to Auxiliary Charter Member Josephine Bell from her personal friend Senator Collins.

At the time of the letter from Senator Collins, Josephine was not doing well and her condition only got worse which resulted in her passing away two days before the ceremony. Josephine’s daughter was on hand to accept the letter and the flag flown over the Capital in her name. Tears fell as Josephine’s daughter read a note that her mother wanted to add to the ceremony on how important the VFW is and always will be. The ceremony was closed with the placing of a wreath in Josephine’s honor by her daughter and David Michaud, and the presentation of the 70 year membership pin for Josephine by the Auxiliary president.