Guard event marks 70th anniversary of WW II mobilization

By Barbara Scott
Staff Writer
    On Feb. 24, 1941, nearly 400 men from across Aroostook County, along with hundreds more from across Maine, were inducted into federal service as part of the 152nd Field Artillery Regiment in anticipation of possible wartime duty.
    In recognition of the 70th anniversary of the federalization, the 152nd Field Artillery Association has been sponsoring an exhibit at the Caribou Historical Society’s Museum each Saturday of this month. This Saturday, Feb. 26, will be the final day of this historic exhibit that features photographs of individuals who served with the 152nd FA, documents, field artillery artifacts; newspaper articles and scrapbooks all relating the story of the artillery regiment which was formed in 1922.
    A special highlight of Saturday’s exhibit will be the availability of a 90-minute DVD that features AT (Annual Training) clips from 1934 through 1941. This DVD is available in return for a small donation to the 152nd Field Artillery Association.
    Formed in 1922 in Aroostook County, as part of the Maine National Guard, elements of the 152nd FA regiment fought in both the Pacific and European theaters of WW II. Other participation included several overseas deployments since Sept. 11, 2001. The regiment was deactivated in 2008.
    Members of the 152nd Field Artillery Association invite everyone to visit the Caribou Historical Society on Saturday, Feb. 26, to speak with the members of the group; peruse the photographs and perhaps assist them in identifying some of the soldiers from years gone by.
    The museum is located at 1033 Presque Isle Road in Caribou. The exhibit may be viewed from noon until 4 p.m.
    For more information regarding the 152nd Field Artillery Association go to 152ndfieldartilleryassociation.org.