Avenue of Flags event is June 14

By Barbara Scott
Staff Writer
    On Tuesday, June 14, members of the Northern Maine Veterans’ Cemetery Corporation will hold a dedication ceremony for the Avenue of Flags, which graces the driveway entrance to the Lombard Road facility.
    The Avenue of Flags dedication will offer a full program of music and guest speakers, prior to the raising of the individual flags, each donated to the project in memory of a veteran(s). Each of the 30 flagpoles were also purchased and donated to the NMVC by organizations or private individuals.
    The program, which begins at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, will include the Loring Job Corps Color Guard; Catherine Packard and eighth-grade students from Ashland, leading the Pledge of Allegiance; Chaplain Col. David P. Cote, USAF Ret., who will offer the Inovcation/Benection; Patty Rafford, who will sing the National Anthem; opening remarks and the introduction of guests by Harry Hafford, chairman of the Northern Maine Veterans’ Cemetery Corporation. Dale McGlinn will serve as master of ceremonies for the Avenue of Flags Dedication program.
    Guest speakers will include Sharon Campbell, representing U.S. Sen. Olympia Snowe; Phil Bosse on behalf of Sen. Susan Collins; and Barbara Hayslett, representing Congressman Michael Michaud.
    Others who will participate in the program include John and Joyce Noble and George Mathis, DAV department commander.
    The keynote speaker for the late morning event will be Gen. Brent Boyles, deputy adjutant general and commander of the Maine Army National Guard.
    The Raising of the Flags ceremony will take place as each individual flag is raised, with the announcement of who donated the flagpole and for whom the flag is flying. At the completion of the 30 flags being raised, the program will continue with Patty Rafford presenting a vocal selection of “Amazing Grace;” the Laying of Wreaths by members of the Maine Army National Guard and the Ashland students; a 21 gun salute will be presented by members of the American Legion Post 147 and “Taps” will be played by Fred Ormezzani.
    If at all possible, don’t miss bearing witness to this emotional Avenue of Flags dedication, honoring those who served so that we remain free to assemble.
    Due to the length of the dedication ceremony, those planning to attend are encouraged to bring a chair.