Caribou’s commitment to veterans rings loudly during concert

13 years ago
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Aroostook Republican photo/Barb Scott
Auctioneer Betty Thompson kept the bidding going on an American flag, donated by Sen. Susan Collins, during the Nov. 11 Patriotic Concert held at CPAC, as Nancy Chandler, president of the Caribou Children’s Discovery Museum, watches for bidders.

By Barbara Scott
Staff Writer

On a day in which Veterans Day ceremonies were observed nationwide at 11 a.m. on the 11th day of the 11th month, the Patriotic Concert held at the Caribou Performing Arts Center was the perfect conclusion, one that was filled with emotion and pride through the words of familiar songs.

Sponsored by the Caribou Children’s Discovery Museum, Cary Medical Center and the Katahdin Trust Company, proceeds benefited the CCDM and the Northern Maine Veterans Cemetery in Caribou.

Opening the evening event was Brigadier General Brent Boyles, Maine Army National Guard who spoke of the military service provided by so many veterans through the many conflicts, of those who are serving today and of the need to remember, honor, support and provide care for each of them.

Chloe Wheeler, of Bridgewater sang the National Anthem followed by Kim Parent of Caribou, singing the Canadian National Anthem.

John Gorman of Fort Fairfield explained the origin of Veterans Day then performed a vocal selection of “God Bless America.” Gorman also sang “America” during the event.

A letter from Sen. Susan Collins, read by Phil Bosse, district representative for the Caribou native, stated, in part: “It has been 93 years since the 11th day of the 11th month earned a place of honor on our national calendar. For nearly a century, Americans have faithfully kept this observance because we know we cannot fully enjoy our freedom without remembering the great price at which it has been purchased. And yet, with so many Veterans Days to draw from, we still find the words that fully express our gratitude hard to come by. Instead, it is often our actions that best reveal what is in our hearts.”

“Proof of this phenomenon is here in Caribou, my hometown. The hard work and commitment required to bring about this concert is a fitting way to pay tribute to the brave men and women in uniform who never tire in their devotion to our country. The generosity of the musicians, the Caribou Children’s Discovery Museum, Cary Medical Center, the Northern Maine Veterans’ Cemetery Corporation and the many volunteers who have made this evening possible demonstrates the respect we have for those who give their all for all of us.”

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Aroostook Republican photo/Barb Scott
The grand finale of the Veterans Day Patriotic Concert brought all participants to center stage. From left are: Bob White, CCDM volunteer; Nancy Chandler, CCDM president; Chloe Wheeler, Kim Parent, Melanie Saucier, John Gorman, Annie Charles, Cissy Buck and Janice LaPointe. In back is Margaret Cyr.

During a brief intermission, a live auction took place as audience members had the opportunity to bid on an American flag, donated by Sen. Collins. The winning bidder was to have the flag flown at the Capitol in Washington D.C. on a date they would designate and in honor of an individual or occasion of their choice. The flag would be returned to them, encased, following that time.

After a lively, good-natured bidding war, prodded on by Auctioneer Betty Thompson, between Ray Gauvin of Mapleton and Dottie Wheeler of Bridgewater, a bid of $700 by Gauvin ended the excitement. However, when Nancy Chandler, president of the Caribou Children’s Discovery Museum returned to the stage, she announced that Wheeler had offered a matching $700 for a second flag.

Talented vocalists participating in the Patriotic Concert included Chloe Wheeler, Kim Parent, John Gorman, Annie Charles, Melanie Saucier, Cissy Buck and Janice Lapointe. Kenneth Atcheson recited the poem, “In Flanders Fields.”

Jason Parent of Caribou served as emcee for the Nov. 11 event.