Governor LePage Honors Fallen Heroes

May 25, 2011

For Immediate Release: Wednesday, May 25, 2011 Contact: Adrienne Bennett (207) 287-2531

Augusta, Maine ? Governor Paul LePage today participated in a solemn ceremony recognizing Mainers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the Global War on Terror.

Nearly one hundred people gathered in the Hall of Flags at the State House Wednesday to honor Maine fallen heroes. Speakers included Peter Ogden of Maine Veterans? Services, Adjutant General of the Maine National Guard Major General John Libby and Governor Paul LePage.

During the ceremony an identification tag for 11 fallen soldiers was placed on the Battlefield Cross Memorial. An identical ID tag to the one placed on the memorial was presented to each family in a ceremonial box designed for today?s dedication. A list of the service members honored today, the date of their death, place of death and home town are listed below.

?Mere words cannot do justice to the sacrifices we have gathered today to honor and remember,? said Governor LePage. ?We must come together to ensure that their memory is not lost or forgotten. They remind us that freedom is not our birthright, but rather is our inheritance from men and women who stood up to defend this nation.? The 11 ID tags placed on the memorial today join 39 other tags. In all, 50 Mainer's have made the ultimate sacrifice between September 11, 2001 to May 25, 2011.

The Battlefield Cross was dedicated to the State in 2009 and is displayed in the Hall of Flags. The inscription on the memorial reads: State of Maine Global War on Terrorism Memorial This Battlefield Cross stands as a lasting Tribute ?To those who have made the ultimate sacrifice from a grateful State? Thank you for your willingness to serve our State and nation by answering the call to duty. With great pride, and deep sorrow we honor you for your sacrifice. You will be in our hearts and minds forever. Dedicated May 2009

The 11 brave men honored today:

CPT Christopher S. Cash
6/24/2004 Iraq
Old Orchard Beach

LCpl Joshua M. Bernard
8/14/2009 Afghanistan New Portland

PFC Jordan M. Brochu
8/31/2009 Afghanistan Oakland

SGT Joshua J. Kirk
10/3/2009 Afghanistan
South Portland

SPC Wade A. Slack
5/6/2010 Afghanistan Waterville

SSG Brandon M. Silk
6/21/2010 Afghanistan
Orono

SSG Eric B. Shaw
6/27/2010 Afghanistan Exeter

PFC Clinton E. Springer
9/24/2010 Afghanistan Sanford

1LT James R. Zimmerman
11/2/2010 Afghanistan Smyrna Mills

CPL Andrew L. Hutchins
11/8/2010 Afghanistan
New Portland

PVT Buddy W. McLain
11/29/2010 Afghanistan
Mexico

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Photo: Honor Guard Member placing ID tags on Battlefield Cross Memorial