Staff Writer
Veterans honored their own over the Memorial Day weekend by laying wreaths, having parades and presenting medals for valor in days past.
Aroostook Republican photo/Debra Walsh
Edwina Daigle of Caribou salutes after laying a wreath in honor of Gold Star Mothers during Memorial Day observances Monday. Accompanying her are American Legion Commander Jack Parisi, left, and American Legion Chaplain Wayne Little, all of Caribou. The wreath was one of several laid in honor of departed veterans during a ceremony at the Veterans’ Monument in Caribou.
In Caribou, a parade from Sweden to Main Street ending at the Veterans’ Monument at the corner of Main and Lyndon streets drew hundreds of spectators. Ceremonies were also held at the Maine Veterans’ Cemetery in Caribou.
During a ceremony later in the day, former state Sen. Donald Collins of Caribou was presented a state Silver Star Honorable Service Medal at the Maine Veterans’ Home in Caribou.
In Stockholm, a Bronze Star was presented Sunday to George “Clayton” Nelson for meritorious service wile serving during the Vietnam Conflict in 1970-1971.
The rain held off long enough Monday to allow a parade honoring veterans to proceed through Caribou. Veteran and auxiliary groups marched in full regalia, while bands from the local high and middle schools provided musical selections. In addition, state and local queens were also among those who joined in the procession.
At the veterans’ monument, Collins, a World War II veterans and Purple Heart recipient, was the guest speaker during the ceremony.
Collins said that the Memorial Day holiday is unique among American celebrations. Other holidays have become commercial and associated with retail sales and sporting events, he said.
“This day has remained remarkably true to its original intent,” said Collins.
The former senator cited the holiday’s Civil War beginnings. But the impact of Memorial Day upon the country varies “with the ebb and flow of history,” he said.
Quoting Abraham Lincoln in the Gettysburg Address, Collins said that the country should always remember the ultimate sacrifice given by soldiers.
“May that always be what Memorial Day means to us,” said Collins.
The ceremony also included the reading of the names of scores of local veterans, who had passed away, with the placing of a miniature flag on the monument for each name.
Later on Monday, Collins received the state award for his service in the Armed Forces and for his award of the Purple Heart for wounds he received during World War II.
“We the citizens of the state of Maine express our sincere appreciation for his courage and his willingness to serve our state and nation,” said the citation. “We are proud of him and grateful to him for his commitment to the defense of freedom.”
In Stockholm, similar services were held on Sunday. During the ceremony, Senior Master Sergeant (ret.) Nelson received the Bronze Star for meritorious service in the U.S. Air Force in the Republic of Vietnam.
He was the squadron on-the-job training supervisor for the 483 Transportation Squadron, 483 Tactical Airlift Wing, and Cam Ranh Bay Air Base in Vietnam.
According to the citation, Nelson’s “outstanding leadership and technical knowledge were exercised to their fullest limit to conquer and resolve the myriad problems facing the squadron training program.
“As a result of his expert supervision and constant attention to the OJT program, the quality and quantity of training steadily improved,” the citation said.
Throughout combat, Nelson was able to continue the training, rendering the squadron “among the best on the base.”
Nelson’s name had been submitted for the award more than 30 years ago. Through the efforts of the office of U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, the award reached Nelson in January.
Aroostook Republican photo/Debra Walsh
Former State Sen. Donald Collins received a state Silver Star Award on Monday as part of Memorial Day activities at the Maine Veterans’ Home in Caribou.
Aroostook Republican photo/Debra Walsh
George “Clayton” Nelson was awarded the Bronze Star during a ceremony Sunday at the Stockholm American Legion’s Memorial Day observances. Pinning on the medal is retired U.S. Navy Com. James P. Morgan, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Stockholm. At left, is Muriel Nelson, Nelson’s wife.
Aroostook Republican photo/Debra Walsh
An honor guard leads veterans’ groups down Main Street during Memorial Day parade on Monday.
Aroostook Republican photo/Debra Walsh
The Little League teams were represented Monday during the annual Memorial Day parade in Caribou.
Aroostook Republican photo/Debra Walsh
Maine Potato Queen Katie Smith of Caribou waves to the crowd Monday during the annual Memorial Day Parade in Caribou. Hundreds lined the streets for the obserance to honor fallen veterans.
Aroostook Republican photo/Debra Walsh
Amanda Willey and her daughter, Samantha, ride in a Caribou Fire Department Truck during the Memorial Day parade on Monday.
Aroostook Republican photo/Debra Walsh
Fred Page, a U.S. Air Force veteran, and his daughter, Julia, salute Monday during services at the Veterans’ Monument in Caribou.
Aroostook Republican photo/Debra Walsh
Members of the Caribou High School band play patriotic tunes as they march in the parade Monday on Main Street. The band also performed the “Star Spangled Banner” at the Memorial Day observance at the Veterans’ Monument.
