By Barbara Scott
Staff Writer
There will be a Veterans Day Ceremony held at the Northern Maine Veterans’ Cemetery in Caribou at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 11. Veterans Day is a national holiday observed each year on the 11th day of the 11th month at 11 a.m., allowing all Americans a chance to honor the nation’s veterans from all years and those men and women presently serving in the United States Armed Forces.
George Mathis, State of Maine Department commander DAV, will be the keynote speaker at the mid-morning ceremony. Other guest speakers will include Harry Hafford, chairman of the NMVCC; Sharon Campbell, regional representative for Sen. Olympia Snowe; Phil Bosse, state office representative for Sen. Susan Collins and Barbara Hayslett, district representative for Congressman Michael Michaud.
Vocal selections will be provided by Chloe Wheeler, an elementary school student from blaine. The ceremonial laying of the wreath, will be presented by George Mathis and Hafford; a 21-Gun-Salute will be performed by members of the Madawaska American Legion Post 147 and taps will be rendered by Frederick Ormezzani.
Father David Cote will provide the Invocation and Benediction.
Hafford has announced that the NMVCC recently purchased a four-passenger golf cart to be used to help transport cemetery guests who may be physically challenged to and from their vehicles as well as to the restrooms which are located in the administration building.
“We don’t want our family members and guests to worry about the distance they have to walk while attending any of our services or ceremonies,” said Hafford. “This vehicle will be available to transport individuals during the Nov. 11 Veterans Day events.”
