Spirit of Freedom alive in Hodgdon

To the editor:
    On Thursday morning last, I attended a ceremony at the Hodgdon High School for local veterans.
    Fifteen years ago, Bernie Reece (retired military) was the director of a program called Jobs for Maine Grads. Mr. Reece had the privilege of speaking at this year’s program that he instituted while director of JMG. Over the years, I have attended approximately 10 of these breakfast ceremonies and have heard a lot of different speakers and comments. Wow! Thank you Bernie, thank you SAD 70, JMG leaders and students for such a moving tribute year after year for our veterans.
    As a veteran myself, it is an honor each time to meet new and old faces of men and women who have served this country proudly regardless of political, social and economic issues. We live in, are part of and will continue to salute every person who has ever served this great nation.
    Again, thank you to all veterans, and thank you to the students who carry on the “morale” of the Spirit of Freedom that our great nation exemplifies. God bless America.
Rev. Richard McLaughlin
Amity Baptist Church