SANFORD — Today, Stanley Ouellette is a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9935 Honor Guard. For 15 years, he wore the uniform of the U.S. Army. He served three tours of duty in Iraq, was wounded, and now, medically discharged, he’s home for good.
So is George Brogan, a Vietnam War veteran who served a total of 22 years in the military ”“ in the Navy and the Air Force. He, too, serves with the VFW Honor Guard.
Ray Fortier came home many years ago from his service with the U.S. Merchant Marines and Armed Guard during World War II. A long-time supporter of the American Legion, he has been a member of the Sanford post for 68 years.
He and Ouellette were among dozens of veterans who attended Sanford’s Veterans Day ceremonies at Memorial Gym on Monday ”“ men and women who served their country through thick and thin, in times of war and times of peace.
There were military families there and civilians, too. The Sanford High School Band played, and the Naval Junior ROTC group drill team performed. Shirley Girard, backed by some of the G.I. Dames, sang the National Anthem.
Some of the bleachers were full, and some were empty.
The men and women who served their country, or who are still doing so today, were honored for their service. The assembly was reminded that Veterans Day, originally called Armistice Day, marks the signing of the treaty that ended World War I on Nov. 11, 1918. It should be celebrated ”“ with joy, said Brig. Gen. James D. Campbell, commander of the Maine Army National Guard.
“Let us make sure today is not somber,” he said.
Campbell pointed out that the Maine National Guard, established in 1760, has dual roles ”“ to serve at home and overseas as well. With 3,200 members, the Maine National Guard has deployed 3,000 soldiers and airmen overseas. Many, he said, have been deployed several times.
U.S. Sen. Susan Collins noted the service of her father, Donald Collins, a veteran of World War II. Wounded twice in the Battle of the Bulge, he was discharged after the war, came home to run the family business, was mayor in his hometown and served as a state senator.
“From patriots like my dad who defended our freedom, all Americans learn about commitment, service and patriotism,” Collins said. “We learn that the burden of service must be borne willingly. We learn that challenges must be met and threats must be confronted. We learn that the mantle of ”˜hero’ must be worn with humility.
“It is because of the quiet courage of those who serve our country that we take those lessons to heart, honor our veterans and resolve to pass them on to the generations to come.”
Collins pledged to support all veterans with health care, rehabilitation services, housing assistance, education and employment opportunities, which drew applause from the audience. Collins is a member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittees on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs and Defense.
Among those present at the event was Marjorie Lewis, who has been a member of the Thomas W. Cole Post 19, American Legion, Auxiliary for 47 years. Her husband, Ernest Lewis, flew a B17 bomber and was shot down over Germany on April 10, 1945 and held prisoner until the end of the war in Europe, on May 8, 1945. He died in 1972.
She said she’s among the older members of the auxiliary now, but still keeps at it.
“I do it for him,” she said.
— Senior Staff Writer Tammy Wells can be contacted at 324-4444 (local call in Sanford) or 282-1535, ext. 327 or twells@journaltribune.com.
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