OAKFIELD, Maine — A steady, often heavy rain did not deter more than 25 veterans and loved ones from turning out Monday for Oakfield’s Memorial Day service, held at the Four Corners Veterans Monument.
“Thank you all for coming out for this wet Memorial Day as we honor our area’s fallen heroes,” Jim Burton, adjutant for the Frank B. Holden Post No. 52, said.
Burton read off some statistics he had compiled on those who lost their lives during the many battles experienced over the years. He said that in the Revolutionary War there were 8,000 perished; in the Civil War there were between 250,000-280,000 killed; in World War I, 53,402 died; in World War II, 245,541 died; Korean War, 33,686; Vietnam War, 58,220; and Iraq to present day, 4,424.
“That is why we are here today,” Burton said. “To honor those that have perished. A lot of those names are on these stones right here (in Oakfield).”
The Rev. Jesse James, chaplain for the Frank B. Holden Post No. 52, gave opening and closing prayers. A gun salute was also conducted.
“Almighty God, we thank you for bringing us together on this Memorial Day celebration to acknowledge the debt we owe to the men and women of the United States military, who guarded this country with their lives,” James said. “We especially honor those who lost their lives while defending this nation.”
Among the many veterans in attendance was 95-year-old Albert Hersey of Oakfield, one of the area’s few surviving veterans of World War II. Hersey was looking for his name on the stone pathway honoring the area’s veterans.
Following the service, guests were invited to the Frank B. Holden Post No. 32 for a luncheon.
OAKFIELD, Maine — May 31, 2021 — Gathered for Monday’s Memorial Day services are, from left, Fred Anderson, Albert Hersey and Don Hall. At 95, Hersey is one of the area’s oldest surviving veterans, having served during World War II. (Joseph Cyr | Houlton Pioneer Times)
OAKFIELD, Maine — May 31, 2021 — Jay Lee of Smyrna looks at the tribute walls at the Four Corner Veterans Memorial site in Oakfield Monday morning. (Joseph Cyr | Houlton Pioneer Times)
OAKFIELD, Maine — May 31, 2021 — Members of the Frank B. Holden American Legion Post No. 52 fire a gun salute during Memorial Day services in Oakfield Monday morning. (Joseph Cyr | Houlton Pioneer Times)
OAKFIELD, Maine — May 31, 2021 — Saluting the flag is Fred Anderson (Joseph Cyr | Houlton Pioneer Times)
OAKFIELD, Maine — May 31, 2021 — Curtis Lewin of Oakfield looks for his name on the listing of Vietnam War veterans at the Four Corners Veterans Memorial in Oakfield Monday morning. (Joseph Cyr | Houlton Pioneer Times)
OAKFIELD, Maine — May 31, 2021 — Rev. Jesse James (right) gives a prayer Monday morning at the Oakfield Memorial Day celebration at the Four Corners Veterans Memorial. Looking on is Richard Burton of Frank B. Holden Post No. 52 American Legion. (Joseph Cyr | Houlton Pioneer Times)
