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By Rep. Paul Gilbert
May 25, 2009
Good morning and hello, everyone. My name is Paul Gilbert and I am a state representative, representing Jay, New Sharon, Chesterville, Mercer and Starks. Thank you very much for asking me to say a few words here today. I am an Army Veteran and a life member of the AMVETS and American Legion, so it’s a particular honor for me to be part of this ceremony today.
Memorial Day was known as Decoration Day and first officially observed on May 30th, 1868 to honor America’s military veterans. It was established as a national holiday in 1874. We stand here today to honor the men and women who died while in military service for our country.
Throughout our country’s history, brave men and women have worn our country’s uniform to defend our freedoms and uphold our values, and they do it with honor, skill and courage. While the challenges they face change with every passing year, their devotion to duty and love for their country have remained steadfast. For more than a million Americans, that devotion and love has cost them their lives, but secured for us freedom, peace, and security.
As I stand here today, I think of the 10,000 veterans that call Western Maine home. And as I look at this monument, I think especially of our family members who have served in the Armed Forces, including two of my brothers and several other family members whose names are on this monument’s bronze plaque.
We remember these brave and wonderful men and women every day in our thoughts and prayers, and we honor them with a special gratitude today, on Memorial Day.
Our veterans groups, the AMVETS, the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars continue to honor these and all veterans by insuring that they and their families receive the attention and support that they deserve. We can support them in this service by joining these organizations or their auxiliaries. Let us step up, as they have, to make our community a neighborly place to live.
Fellow veterans, thank you for your service to God and Country. It is with deep respect that we salute you today.
Placing the wreath this morning is Ret Lt Col Virginia LaBrecque LaFleure, a native of Jay and a Chisholm girl, a veteran of WW II, Korea and Vietnam. While stationed in Japan, she was the first Caucasian woman to climb Mount Fuji. A plaque on Mount Fuji commemorates her for this feat. Please join me in welcoming Lt Col LaFleure.