HOULTON, Maine — A small gathering turned out at Monument Park for the annual Veterans Day celebration Monday.
Approximately 25 people attended the service, which featured guest speaker Randall Kluj, national executive committee alternate for the American Legion Department of Maine.
Kris Watson, commander of the American Legion Post No. 47, opened the ceremony, welcoming those few individuals who braved the cold weather to attend the service.
“On this day we commemorate the service of veterans of all wars,” Watson said. “We remember how women and men set aside their civilian pursuits to serve their nation’s cause defending the freedom of mankind and preserving our precious American heritage.
Veterans salute the flag Monday morning in Houlton’s Monument Park during a Veterans Day ceremony.
(Staff Photo/Joseph Cyr)
“We believe our determination made us better warriors because we fought with our minds and hearts as well as our bodies,” Watson continued. “We recognize that service to our country and cause does not end with the termination of military service. In times of peace, we can still use the noble virtues of war. In peace, we shall go forward to scale new heights of achievement and unity of purpose.”
Gene Ross, a member of the American Legion Post No. 47, said if people showed the courage of their forefathers, a better way of life could be achieved.
“Courage is one of the virtues born of war,” he said. “There is bravery to be shown in peace as well. We can turn slums into comfortable homes. [We can] turn uncertainty into certainty and reach new heights of civilization.”
In introducing the guest speaker, Watson said Kluj, who served in the U.S. Navy from 1966 to 1970, was a member of the American Legion for 19 years, including serving as commander of the Milo post. He also served as commander at the district and department levels.
Randall Kluj, national executive committeeman alternate for the American Legion Department of Maine, speaks to a small gathering in Monument Park Monday morning in honor of Veterans Day. In the background is Kris Watson, commander of the American Legion Post No. 47.
(Staff Photo/Joseph Cyr)
“It doesn’t matter the size of the gathering. It’s communities like this all over our state and nation that honor our veterans and make it so worthwhile to serve,” Kluj said. “I am honored to be here today repsenting Department of Maine American Legion. This day began as a celebration of peace that followed the conflict of World War I, and the following years it evolved into Veterans Day.”
Kluj said Veterans Day is not only a day to honor those men and women who lost their lives, but also those who survived or are currently serving.
“Many of you here today have borne the burden and experience of fatigue from waging war in order to bring about peace,” he said. “To you, I say ‘thank you’ for setting the example that inspired me and my peers to raise our hands in voluntary service to this great nation.”
Local residents were also able to offer their remarks during the ceremony. Donald Woods of Houlton spoke of seeing the Statue of Liberty as he returned from a tour of duty overseas many years ago. “That was one of the prettiest sights I have ever seen,” he said. “Standing here today it still almost brings tears to my eyes. To realize the country we are in … What a country.”
Scott Brewer of the American Legion Post No. 47 salutes the flag Monday during a Veterans Day ceremony in Monument Park.
(Staff Photo/Joseph Cyr)
Sue Tortello, a member of the Houlton Town Council, gave a history lesson on Veterans Day and in particular, one soldier, Leon LaBonville, whose name can be found on the plaque of World War I veterans from Houlton who were killed in action.
“Cpl. Leon LaBonville was a member of the Maine 103rd U.S. Infantry Regiment during World War I,” she said. “The Maine 103rd was constantly at the frontline and stayed nearly the entire last leg of the war. By the morning of Nov. 11, news was running rampant that an Armistice had been signed, however, a new order came in that the infantry would advance.”
Tortello said the remains of the battalion advanced what amounted to 300 meters and halted. Cpl. LeBonville was killed in action during that final advice and, according to Tortello, was possibly the last Mainer to give his life during World War I.
