JAY – Under an overcast sky, dozens turned out Thursday to pay tribute to veterans and to dedicate an enhanced war memorial on Main Street.
Veterans had held several services at memorials throughout the area in recognition of Veterans Day prior to stopping at the Jay War Memorial.
An honor guard of veterans placed flags in their positions prior to 11 a.m., when the St. Rose of Lima Church bells rang 11 times.
International Paper’s Fiona McCaul sang the national anthem in a voice that was heard clearly above the vehicles passing by.
Tiger Cubs Pack 599, Den 5, stood at attention and saluted the flag, as did members of Scout Troop 199 of Jay.
“We are here today, Veterans Day, Nov. 11, 2004, to commemorate the courage and patriotism of the men and women for their service to our country who have served us in all the wars since the Revolutionary War, and are still serving this nation all around the world,” veteran Erlon Rose told those gathered.
“Today we honor all the American veterans who throughout history have served our country and defended our way of life. They are all heroes and have unselfishly placed their lives on the line to protect our freedom.”
The ceremony recognized those who served in war, peacetime and those who are serving now.
People also recognized those who worked or donated to enhance the Jay War Memorial. Hyla Friedman, a Jay resident, spearheaded an effort to refurbish the existing monument and to add two stones recognizing all branches of the military and the wars approved by Congress. Four granite benches, a new flag pole and landscaping have been added, and fund-raising for a new fence is ongoing.
Two Livermore Falls High School seniors, Andrew Moreau and Danielle Gray, both 17, played Taps on their trumpets at the end of the ceremony.
“It’s my community service,” Moreau said of his three years of playing at veterans’ services.
“It gives us a better respect for our elders in a way,” Gray said. “I know a lot of older people say that the younger generation don’t have the respect they do because a lot of younger people don’t show up for the memorial ceremonies.”
But both Gray and Moreau said a lot of the younger generation do have respect for elders and veterans.
“I think our young people are more involved than people know,” Moreau said.
“I just want to express my thanks for all veterans past, present and those who will serve in the future,” said Kyle Savage, an IP employee, who designed the visual plan for the memorial.
“I’m just so thankful for the freedom and liberties that I enjoy, that we all actually enjoy, because of men and women that we’re honoring today,” Savage said.
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