CAMDEN — Memorial Day 2025 dawned under bright sunshine after days of cold, raw rainy weather. It was an ideal morning for the community to gather and walk together along Main Street, through downtown Camden and up the hill to the Mountain View Cemetery for a ceremony that included a welcome from War Memorial Post 30 Adjutant Jeff Sukeforth, prayer lead by Chaplain Stephanie McLain, the laying of a wreath, words delivered by Memorial Day Parade Marshal Ben Hazen, a rifle volley, and Taps, the bugle call that originated during the Civil War.

The remembrance ceremonies of Memorial Day each May is America's tribute to those who died in military conflict. In Camden, as well as in Rockport and Lincolnville, the day's event had been organized by Post 30, and included the participation of its Color Guard — all familiar faces of local veterans who have served in wars over the past 50 years.

Alongside them marched the Camden Hills Regional High School Marching Band, Boy Scout Troop 200, Little League teams, firefighters, first responders and police.

At various locations along the parade path, wreaths were laid to commemorate the dead. Those spots included the Conway Boulder, the Village Green Honor Roll and the Civil War monument at Harbor Park. Earlier in the morning the Boy Scouts had placed a wreath in the ocean at the Camden Public Landing to honor those who died at sea while at war.

"It is only fitting that we conclude Camden's Memorial Day ceremony at Mountain View Cemetery, which is the final resting place for over 500 of our men and women veterans, who have given their all to the town, state and nation," said Sukeforth. 

Jeff Sukeforth, American Legion Post 30

He continued: "Today, this is the most expensive holiday on the calendar," he said. "Every hot dog, every burger, every spin around the lake, or every drink with friends and family is a gathering purchased by others. This day is not about all who have served. That day is celebrated in the Fall.

"This day is in honor of those who paid the sacrifice of life and blood. Whose moms never saw them again. Whose dads wept in private, whose wives raised kids alone, and whose kids only remember them from photographs. This is the day to remember that others paid for every free breath you ever get to take. This is called freedom."

Ben Hazen, who retired from the U.S. Army in 2017 after serving in both the active and National Guard services, had been deployed to and served in Iraq. He is a 15-year member of American Legion Post 30 and continued to serve as a member of the posts Color Guard. In his remarks, he focused on delivering a tribute of those who have fallen.

"We're here today to honor our service members, to remember the sacrifices they have made in honor of duty, honor, and country," said Hazen.

"The service members we honor today came from all walks of life, but they shared several fundamental qualities. They possessed courage, pride, determination, selflessness, dedication to duty, and integrity. All the qualities needed to serve a cause larger than one's self.

"Many of them didn't ask to leave their homes to fight on distant battlefields. They did not go to war because they love fighting.

"They were called to be part of something bigger than themselves. They were ordinary people who responded in extraordinary ways and extreme times.

Ben Hazen and Ray Lewis

"They rose to the nation's call because they wanted to protect and preserve what this great nation has given them and us. Many knew when they signed up, if they went to war, they might not come home. But that was the consequence they were willing to take. You know why? 'because they loved America and that flag. They were openly willing to fight and die for that flag.

"They knew that our flag doesn't fly because the wind moves it. It flies with the last breath of every fallen soldier who protected it. See, when you go to war, you never think, 'Am I going to make it home, or will I die today?' The only thing you can do is rely on training, muscle memory, and your buddies having your back. And you never get too complacent.

"I lost friends in Iraq. They can't be here today to enjoy a family barbecue, or to watch their kids play softball or soccer, or to take an evening cruise in the truck to look for deer in the fields. But they knew what they were getting into, and I can guarantee they'd do it again in a heartbeat.

"I think about them often. I'm wondering who they would have been today. I pray for them. And I hope they're at peace. And when I look up at Old Glory flying high and proud in my yard every day, I thank them and all the others who died protecting our great nations.

"You don't have to be a veteran to do that. And we all should do that more often. So when you go home today, if you haven't already, put out your American flag, have that barbecue, laugh with family, friends, neighbors, and raise up that cold beverage and say thank you. I know my buddies would approve of that.

"Your presence's here today and that of the people gathering all over America is a tribute to those lost troops and families. It is a way to say we remember.

"From the sultans who shivered and starved through the winter, the Valley Forge, to the Dough Boys, huddled in the muddy trenches of France, to the platoons who patrolled the jungles in Vietnam, and the men and women who patrolled the streets, villages, and roadways in Iraq and Afghanistan. We remember in honor of them all."

Reach Editorial Director Lynda Clancy at lyndaclancy@penbaypilot.com; 207-706-6657