HOULTON, Maine — It was a return to normalcy for the Chester L. Briggs American Legion Post No. 47’s annual Veterans Day ceremony in Houlton Thursday as about 75 people gathered in Monument Park to pay their respects.
Originally known as Armistice Day, Veterans Day was made a public holiday to commemorate the end of World War I. In 1954, the holiday was changed to Veterans Day, in order to mark remembrance for military veterans who served in all major conflicts.
Last year, the Legion conducted a much smaller ceremony that was not advertised to keep public attendance down.
“In memory of the fallen and deceased veterans, we now honor them with this salute,” said Legion Commander Jim Sanderson prior to a gun salute and the playing of taps.
Jerry Riley, a member of Post No. 47, introduced the guest speakers for Thursday’s ceremony.
Jason Little, JMG specialist for SAD 70 in Hodgdon since 2016, spoke on the school’s annual Veterans Breakfast and the positive impact it has had on students.
“The Veterans Day breakfast has been an absolute highlight for our students,” he said. “For some, it is one of the biggest events they participate in all school year and is one of the reasons they join the JMG program.”
Unfortunately, the district has not been able to hold its in-person ceremony for the past two years due to COVID-19. This year, a drive-thru breakfast was provided to area veterans and their families, with students spending the morning at the school getting the meals ready for the veterans.
“Although we have not been able to honor you in person with our normal ceremony, I hope all of you (veterans) know that our students are beyond grateful for your service,” Little said.
Lynette Dobbs, a U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam era, offered her perspective of serving in the military as a female service member.
“I am thrilled and honored to be here this morning to represent women who have served,” Dobbs said. “I remember growing up, hearing a lot of stories from my dad who served in World War II. He instilled in us a sense of being loyal to our country. Over the years, the military has changed quite dramatically for women.”
Dobbs said she joined the Army in 1974 and by 1975 she found herself volunteering for the topographic unit in Vietnam as an offset-pressman, but was told the only women who could serve behind enemy lines were those in the medical field.
“The military has changed over the years and military service for women has changed dramatically — not just in what they are allowed to do but also in numbers,” she said.
Dobbs said that 50 years ago, women accounted for 2 percent of the enlisted ranks. Today, that number is closer to 16 percent. Women serving as officers were about 8 percent, while today that figure is 19 percent.
“Today there are 2 million veterans in our country,” she said. “Despite these numbers, many women have a feeling of not being recognized for their service and feeling invisible. In 2018, a special program ‘I Am Not Invisible’ was created. This program was designed to recognize all women veterans for their service and to highlight the importance of their contributions. I was privileged to be a part of that.”
HOULTON, Maine — November 11, 2021 — Jim Sanderson, commander for the Chester L. Briggs Post No. 47 of the American Legion, welcomes those in attendance to Thursday’s Veterans Day service in Houlton’s Monument Park. (Joseph Cyr | Houlton Pioneer Times)
HOULTON, Maine — November 11, 2021 — A group of about 75 people turned out for the annual Veterans Day ceremony in Houlton’s Monument Park. (Joseph Cyr | Houlton Pioneer Times)
HOULTON, Maine — November 11, 2021 — Members of the American Legion Post No. 47 gun salute squad fire off a volley Thursday in Houlton to honor those veterans who gave their lives in service. (Joseph Cyr | Houlton Pioneer Times)
HOULTON, Maine — November 11, 2021 — Jerry Riley of the American Legion Post No. 47 in Houlton plays taps during Thursday’s ceremony. (Joseph Cyr | Houlton Pioneer Times)
HOULTON, Maine — November 11, 2021 — Jason Little, Hodgdon’s JMG specialist, was one of two guest speakers at Houlton’s Veterans Day ceremony Thursday in Monument Park. (Joseph Cyr | Houlton Pioneer Times)
