CARIBOU, Maine — Hundreds gathered at the Northern Maine Veterans Cemetery in Caribou Thursday for a ceremony that urged everyone to thank and advocate for veterans, not just on Veterans Day but every day.
During the first Veterans Day ceremony since before the pandemic, local veterans, supporters and state politicians expressed their appreciation for the sacrifices veterans have made to their country.
Keynote speaker Vaughn Hardacker, a Vietnam War veteran of the United States Marine Corps, reminded audience members that Maine people have stepped up to serve in the Armed Forces from the earliest wars to the most recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.
He also recalled the camaraderie he felt alongside his fellow soldiers and a conversation that changed the way he viewed his own service.
“Someone once told me that they regretted not serving. I replied, ‘You didn’t miss much,'” Hardacker said. “But then I thought, yes they did. My time [in the Marine Corps] was an opportunity to belong to a group of extraordinary people.”
Hardacker used his speech to remind those with political power to continue advocating for legislation that supports veterans and current military members. He encouraged everyone to think of the sacrifices veterans have made as well as the family members left behind to pray for their soldiers.
“The next time you pass a veteran, say ‘Thank you for your service,’ and really mean it. Don’t just say it to be polite,” Hardacker said.
After a posting of the colors from Cub Scout Troop Pack 184 Bears of Caribou and a performance of the national anthem by Jaunita Goetz, representatives from U.S. Sen. Susan Collins and Angus King and Congressman Jared Golden read letters from the lawmakers penned for the occasion.
In her remarks Collins praised the thousands of Maine people who have earned the title “veteran” throughout America’s history.
“Maine is home to more than 114,000 veterans, the second highest percentage in our entire country,” said Trisha House, district manager for Collins’ County office, while reading the senator’s letter. “We are proud of our state’s commitment to protecting our nation.”
In his remarks, read by office representative Jordyn Madore, King quoted President Dwight D. Eisenhower, who issued the first proclamation of Veterans Day in 1954. Like Eisenhower, King urged people to “join hands in the common purpose” of appreciating veterans through both words and actions.
“Whether that means advocating for stronger veterans benefits, better health care or improved educational and economic opportunity, each of us can make a difference in the lives of American veterans,” Madore said, reading from King’s letter.
A veteran of the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars, Golden also pledged to support veterans in Congress and thanked the service members and families who have put ordinary lives on hold for the sake of their country.
“You’ve dedicated years of your lives, moved far from home and often put your own lives at risk,” said Barb Hayslett, district manager for Golden’s office, while reading his remarks. “That’s true sacrifice and we’re a stronger country for it.”
At Northern Maine Veterans Cemetery, 1,431 veterans and their spouses from all regions of Aroostook are buried on 33 acres of land, noted cemetery chairperson Roy Woods. He and Hardacker honored those veterans by laying a memorial wreath.
They and guests saluted as Stockholm’s American Legion members fired a 21-gun salute and Fred Ormezzani, cemetery treasurer performed taps.
CARIBOU, Maine — November 11, 2021 — U.S. Army veteran Roger Felix (left), U.S. Marine Corps veteran Vaughn Hardacker, Northern Maine Veterans Cemetery chairperson Roy Woods and Rev. Dave Raymond salute the American flag during a performance of taps at the Veterans Day ceremony. (Melissa Lizotte | Aroostook Republican)
CARIBOU, Maine — November 11, 2021 — Members of Cub Scout Troop Pack 184 display military flags during the Veterans Day ceremony at Northern Maine Veterans Cemetery. (Melissa Lizotte | Arostoook Republican)
