DURHAM – An act to establish a “Maine Week of Heroes,” introduced in the Legislature by state Rep. Michael Vaughan of Durham, has been enacted.

The act, effective Sept. 13, encourages all municipalities and schools to celebrate “Maine Week of Heroes” during the week that coincides with Sept. 11.

During the Sept. 9 meeting of the Board of Selectmen, Deborah Larrabee presented a plaque to the town of Durham in “appreciation and thanks” in Vaughan’s honor to be placed at the town office.

She also presented Vaughan with a plaque and a poem titled “Everyday Heroes.”

Larrabee said, “I admire Mike for introducting this legislation. In these days praise is so lacking at home, work and everywhere … I feel when someone does something big or small, recognition is a key factor. In fact, it might be the one thing that keeps a person staying at work, staying in school, married, or in a tough spot when life is down.

“We are all heroes in our own way and as the words in the poem read, ‘There’s a hero right now within you as you read this paper,’ think about who your hero is today.”