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For Immediate Release
***MEDIA
ADVISORY*** Secretary
Gwadosky expands "Vote in Honor of a Veteran" Secretary of State Dan A. Gwadosky recently announced the publication of Maine Remembers Those Who Served: Tributes from the Pine Tree State, a 200 page book that provides a sampling of tributes by those who honored veterans through the "Vote in Honor of a Veteran" program. Secretary Gwadosky will be at the Mr. Paperback Bookstore located at the Skyway Plaza on November 29, 2001 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. to unveil the book in Aroostook County and to share tributes from the book. Several individuals who provided tributes have been invited to join Secretary Gwadosky. "Publishing this book was a time consuming, yet extremely rewarding project for our office", stated Secretary of State Dan A. Gwadosky. "I am particularly proud of my staff, whose efforts made this project a reality. We took special care in our presentation of the many tributes we received by including historical references to compliment comments and provide a context for readers," Secretary Gwadosky continued. "We hope that those who read the book are as pleased as we are with the final product." The "Vote in Honor of a Veteran" program provided Maine citizens with the opportunity to honor those who proudly served this country in the armed services by wearing a personalized button to the polls. This small gesture sought to recognize our veterans' important contributions in keeping our democracy strong and ensuring our right to cast a ballot each Election Day. Over 10,000 people cast a ballot and honored a veteran in November 2000. Maine Remembers, an extension of that program, compiles the responses to a simple inquiry on the button request form, 'Please tell us something about the person you are honoring.' "Processing the requests, we were moved by the tributes that were provided. It seemed only fitting to make some of these stories available to the public," said Secretary Gwadosky. The book presents the many tributes historically by military conflict through five chapters:
The original button program drew a connection between the sacrifices made by veterans and our right to vote. With this book, history comes to life by sharing Maine connections to many historical events. A complimentary book will be provided to all high school and public libraries. The books will also be available for purchase ($9.95) at many bookstores or through the Office of the Secretary of State at 626-8400 or online at www.state.me.us/sos/. A sample of tributes from Maine Remembers: "When I vote, I will be paying tribute to Edward C. Dahlgren, 2nd Lt., Company E, 142nd Infantry, 36th Infantry Division. He currently lives in Mars Hill." Robert
M. Henderson, Caribou (page 87) "I am proud of my husband, Elmer Dumond, and our 3 sons, Paul, Philip and Bruce. My husband served during Korea and in Vietnam; he was a Ranger and Green Beret and received the Purple Heart and other medals for his service. All 3 sons served in the Gulf War. Paul retired as M/Sgt. from the Army, Philip served in the Army and is out of the service now, and Bruce is still active duty USAF." Ruth E. Dumond, Caribou (page 188) "I will be voting in honor of Robert W. Fields. Bob was a medical doctor that I served with in the 14th USAF Hospital, Nha Trang, RVN. He was in a helicopter, which was shot down. He died in the crash on 26 March 1969. He was a good doctor and a good man." Charlie
Smith, Presque Isle (page 131) "I am voting in honor of 2 buddies. Percy Gagnon was killed in action March 23, 1970, in 'Nam. He was a college classmate, teaching colleague, and fellow soldier. Stuart Woodman was killed in action June 6, 1970. I have dedicated each day of my life to their ultimate sacrifice." Melford
J. Pelletier, Wallagrass (page 133) "I am voting in honor of my brother, William J. Champlin, who served in the Army in Korea. He helped lead 7 men to safety from behind enemy lines." Francis
T. Champlin, Van Buren (page 110) |