Clarence Collins
He was a great man!
He was a great man!
For all that you endured in a War without thanks. You are courageous and strong and I appreciate your journey back from that experience. I love you!
My son Chris is not only defending the right to vote for the people of the United States, he is also working for democracy in Iraq. I am proud of him and all of the men and women who have sacrificed so much to improve a country thousands of miles away. My son has learned a lot from the Iraqi people and has matured beyond his 21 years. His family prays for his safe return as well as the safe return of all of his fellow soldiers in the 133rd Maine National Guard. We are proud of all of you.
I vote in honor of my dad, who raised me to honor and respect my country, our flag, our god, and the values for which they all stand on. To appreciate the freedoms he fought for in WWII. In the 1940s, he stood on the deck of a ship and faced the enemy as a Gunners mate during the Island Hopping Campaign and the invasion of Japan. He experienced the terrors of war and against those who would love to steal our freedoms and sense of safety.
Chester graduated with 26 of us from Woodstock High School in 1965. He joined the U.S. Marines shortly after graduation and was killed in Vietnam in the early part of 1967. He is sadly missed at every class reunion.
Thank you for serving aboard a US Navy mine sweeper, and thank you for being a great dad.
Thank you for your support to the nation in 3 conflicts. I remember you mostly when I was a teenager working at Merrill's store, working at the race track, and knew of you as a younger kid. I went to school with Janice and graduated the same year, 1981. I myself decided to make the military a career. I did 22 years. I retired two years ago. I remember the days at the Waterboro Scrambles when you worked with my Uncle Woody Owen and when you were also in law enforcement. I am now living in Long Beach, California and I am a high school teacher.
I honor my father a dedicated member of the United States Air Force. His service exemplified courage and integrity, inspiring all who knew him. Through his sacrifices he taught me the true meaning of duty and commitment. I am forever grateful for his words of wisdom and the values he instilled in me. His legacy of service lives on in my heart and I proudly carry it forward. Thank you, Daddy, for your unwavering strength and unconditional love. I love this country because of you, you were proud to serve!
Vietnam POW.
Charles and Elisha Bisbee (1757-1826), father and son of Bridgewater, MA served as privates in a Mass Regiment. Father, Charles, (1726-1807) was the first settler of Sumner and is buried there in Bonney Cemetery.