FARMINGTON — Maine Attorney General Janet Mills on Tuesday credited America’s military veterans with preserving the constitutional freedom to vote.
Speaking at a Veterans Day ceremony at Wal-Mart, she said about 60 percent of registered Maine voters cast ballots last week without fear or intimidation, thanks to the efforts of the approximately 136,000 veterans in Maine, and others across the nation who have served or are serving.
Andy Buckland of Farmington, newly elected state representative for House District 113, defined a veteran as someone who writes a blank check payable to the United States when they join the military.
A large metal check created by Signworks sat to the side of the podium. It was created by American Legion Post 28 for services and parades, member Peter Tracy said.
He said military personnel are like firefighters — they are ready to serve 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.
Lincoln “Link” Grush of Jay, who flew with the U.S. Army Air Corps in World War II, recounted a 70-year reunion of his troop in 2012 in South Carolina.
Navy veteran Fred O. Smith of Farmington recalled serving on the USS The Sullivans, which is named for five brothers who served on the USS Juno. The USS Juno was sunk at the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal on Nov. 13, 1942. About 700 men were killed, including all five Sullivan brothers.
State Rep. Sheryl Briggs, D-Mexico, paid tribute to Vietnam War veterans and said Veterans Day is a time for healing for those who were not honored when they returned home. It’s a day to thank them and welcome them home, she said.
Briggs sponsored a bill in the 125th Maine Legislature to make March 30 Vietnam War Remembrance Day. She said she plans to continue the effort to make it a national remembrance day.
Also Tuesday, officials placed wreaths at the World War I Memorial on Main Street and at the Honor Roll and Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Meetinghouse Park.
State Sen. Thomas Saviello, R-Wilton, was emcee at the ceremony at Wal-Mart on Wilton Road. He thanked manager Greg Patterson and employee Peter Zanoni, who organized the annual event.
The Franklin County Fiddlers provided musical entertainment and the Emblem Club demonstrated folding a flag.
Maine State Police Trooper Reid Bond introduced his explosives-sniffing dog, Sting. The 15-month-old Belgian Malinois sniffed something hidden by Bond on one person. When the dog detects something he sits and is rewarded with a toy, Bond said.
abryant@sunjournal.com
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- Munroe Hawkins places a wreath in front of Farmington’s Honor Roll during a brief Veterans Day service at Meetinghouse Park.
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- Maine State Police Trooper Reid Bond introduces his explosives-sniffing dog, Sting, during the Veterans Day service at Wal-Mart in Farmington. State Sen. Tom Saviello, R-Wilton, right, was emcee for the program.
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- Robert Cox of Chesterville lays a wreath at the World War I monument on Main Street in Farmington during a brief Veterans Day service. The American Legion Post 28 honor guard stands behind him.
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- Maine State Police Trooper Reid Bond introduces his explosives-sniffing dog, Sting, during the Veterans Day service at Wal-Mart in Farmington. The 15-month-old Belgian Malinois is petted by World War II veteran Lincoln Grush and his wife, Gloria.
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- The Franklin County Fiddlers, in back, play for the Veterans Day service at Wal-Mart in Farmington.
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- American Legion Post 28 Commander David Targett thanks Wal-Mart manager Greg Patterson and employee Peter Zanoni, right, who organizes the annual Veterans Day service at the Farmington store. Veterans Day service emcee, state Sen. Tom Saviello, R-Wilton, stands at the podium.
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- Maine Attorney General Janet Mills holds the microphone for World War II veteran Lincoln “Link” Grush of Jay during a Veterans Day ceremony at Wal-Mart in Farmington.
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