By land, air, and sea

Mon, 05/28/2018 - 6:45pm

Sarah Thompson

Lincolnville residents recognized the sacrifices of current and previous generations who left to serve, and the families who sacrificed at home. (Photo by Sarah Thompson)

(Photo by Sarah Thompson)

Lincolnville residents recognized the sacrifices of current and previous generations who left to serve, and the families who sacrificed at home. (Photo by Sarah Thompson)

(Photo by Sarah Thompson)

LINCOLNVILLE – “Our gathering is just a small spark in the flame of pride that turns across the great nation today and every day,” said Ray Lewis, District 6 Knox County commander for the Maine American Legion, and member of War Memorial Post 30 American Legion in Camden. “It’s not a lot, but it’s one small way we can honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice so that we may live in freedom.”

Memorial Day, Monday, May 28, Lincolnville residents and area veterans gathered in Lincolnville Center, well away from the ocean, to honor those who’d fought by land and air. They started at the school, paraded down Main Street, and quietly laid a wreath at the veterans’ memorial.

A smaller procession regrouped at the water’s edge, near Lincolnville Beach, to send a wreath over Frohock Bridge, color guard and gun salute in tow, to honor those lost at sea.

Guest speaker Waldo County Sheriff Jeff Trafton told the audience that Memorial Day congers multiple thoughts in his mind. Like many, he remembers the sacrifice of previous generations whose actions now allow citizens peace, security, the enjoyment of liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. He thinks of today’s military members currently serving in harms way, and recognizes the families left behind to care for children as well as handle all of the other tasks necessary when another member of the family is away.

Trafton said that as a child, he was awestruck by those in uniform. He was fascinated by war movies, and history was his favorite subject in school.

Because of those people before him, he served as well, first as a Marine, and then as a National Guard member.

“I want to say that I’m proud of each and every person who has served, or is currently serving in the armed forces of the United States of America,” Trafton said. “I want to thank all of those who I had the privilege of serving with in the Marines or Maine National Guard.”

Organizers and participants of the parade and ceremonies included: American Legion Post 30; Rev. Dave Franclemont, U.S. Navy; Nancy Rowe, director of the Camden Hills Regional High School band; Lincolnville Memorial Day Committee; Cmdr Frank Carr, U.S. Marine Corps ret.; Jeff Sukeforth, U.S. Air Force ret.; and the Post 30 Color Guard.

Sarah Thompson can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com