OLD ORCHARD BEACH — Following the festivities of the annual Memorial Day parade on Monday was a more somber observance at Veterans Memorial Park.
“I am honored to be speaking with you today on such an important occasion,” said Tim DeCosta, president of Rolling Thunder Chapter 2 Maine.
Rolling Thunder is a national organization that assists veterans in need and brings awareness to prisoners of war and those still missing in action. DeCosta was the featured speaker at a short ceremony that included a flag raising and the laying of a wreath at the veterans memorial.
“This gathering is the small spark in the flame of patriotism that burns across this great nation,” he said.
DeCosta urged people to “never forget” those who served the country and sacrificed their lives so other Americans could have freedom.
“We often don’t observe this day as we should,” he said.
He said with this in mind, people should do something to honor veterans, such as helping out someone who served or putting flags on veterans’ graves.
DeCosta also spoke of the more than 83,000 Americans who are missing in action and not accounted for, and the “more than 83,000 families that have not had closure.”
Gold Star Mother and Chaplain Nancy Kelley said a prayer to honor and remember those who lost their lives in war, and Town Clerk Kim McLaughlin read off an “honor list” of Old Orchard Beach residents who died in action.
— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 282-1535, Ext. 325 or egotthelf@journaltribune.com.
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