AUGUSTA — The Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services or, as it is better known, “Maine Veterans’ Services,” conducts periodic presentation ceremonies around the state to provide an opportunity for the family and friends of veterans to attend a local recognition ceremony to see their loved one recognized for their military service.
The State of Maine has established a recognition program to honor the service and sacrifices of all Maine veterans. The recognition program includes honoring those who were wounded, POWs or died in support of combat operations since the beginning of World War II.
The State is looking for all Maine veterans, including Purple Heart recipients, Prisoners of War and the families of those who died during WWII, Korea and Vietnam wars.
Families of some of the fallen war heroes from the River Valley area the State is searching for are Warren T. Hinkley, Rupert L. Torrey, Thomas L. Van Over, Wallace E. Dillingham, Richard E. Holland, Joseph Balcunas, Dennis J. Carey, Gerard J. Chiasson, Adelard C. Giasson, John M. Hickey, Robert E. Moore, Hubert A. Morin, Malcom Rand, Ernest L. Trask Jr. and Maurice E. Vienneau.
The State is also looking to recognize and present each veteran with an Honorable Service Certificate for their dedicated service to the country. If a veteran has not received a certificate yet, a simple application should be completed and accompanied by their DD-214 or Discharge in order to receive the medals and/or certificate. The application form may also be picked up at the Mexico Town Office Tuesday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. or call Rep. Sheryl Briggs at 364-5665.
More information on the program can be found at www.maine.gov/dvem/bvs/ and by clicking on the Maine Heroes button on the left of the page. Information is also available by calling the bureau’s central office in Augusta at 626-4464.
Rep. Briggs plans to hold her third ceremony at the Dixfield Swasey-Torrey American Legion Post 100 to pay tribute to such recipients. In honor of the upcoming Veterans Day in November, the ceremony is going to take place on Friday, Nov. 9, beginning at 1 p.m.
“I have been working for the past several months in search of veterans in anticipation for this ceremony,” said Briggs. “I have had a great number of responses from veterans looking forward to receiving their respective awards at this ceremony. Many of our WWII veterans are passing on so I would like to continue to recognize them as soon as possible.”
Briggs also said that if a veteran is unable to come to the ceremony, other arrangements will be made to make sure they receive their medals and/or certificate.
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