POW/MIA Day Ceremony set for Friday at Maine Veterans’ Cemetery

By Barbara Scott
Staff Writer
    On Friday, Sept. 18, officials at the Maine Veteran’s Cemetery, in Caribou will observed POW/MIA Day with a ceremony beginning at 1 p.m. Prior to this annual ceremony, a dedication of the newly constructed Memorial Footbridge will take place at 12:30 p.m. on the grounds of the cemetery.
    The footbridge will be dedicated to the John Noble family of Caribou, for everything they do for military veterans and their families.
 The ceremony will open with remarks and further introductions by Harry Hafford, chairperson of the Northern Maine Veterans’ Cemetery Corporation.
    U.S. Congressman Michael H. Michaud, key note speaker for the event, will address those in attendance prior to the unveiling of the dedication plaque by members of the Loring Job Corps Honor Guard.
      Following the plaque unveiling, a memorial certificate will be presented by Congressman Michaud and Hafford.
    Wayne Little, chairperson of the Northern Maine Veterans Cemetery Committee, will be recognized at the onset of the dedication ceremony.
    The third Friday of September each year is a day set aside to keep a solemn promise to U. S. service men and women — to never forget and always remember those who have yet to return home.
    At 1 p.m. Sept. 18, Wayne Little, POW/MIA ceremony chairman will welcome guests followed by an Invocation offered by Rev. Gordon Compton and the singing of the National Anthem provided by Annie Charles.
    Guests speakers for the afternoon memorial event are to include Harry C. Hafford, representing the veterans’ cemetery, Sharon Campbell, regional representative for U.S. Sen. Olympia Snowe ; Phil Bosse, state office representative for U.S. Sen. Susan M. Collins and Barbara Hayslett, district representative for U. S. Congressman Michael H. Michaud. Congressman Michaud will also be the keynote speaker at the memorial service.
    Annie Charles will present a second vocal selection, “Amazing Grace,” prior to the laying of a memorial wreath by Congressman Michaud and Hafford. Fred Ormezanni will present, “Taps.”
    Hafford will speak briefly at the close of the ceremony followed by a Benediction by Rev. Gordon Compton.    
    The Maine Veterans Cemetery is located at 37 Lombard Road in Caribou.