RUMFORD – Our basic freedoms weren’t earned by politicians, preachers or reporters, but by veterans who fought in our wars.

Andrea Quaid, spokeswoman for Rep. Michael Michaud, D-Maine, told a Veterans Day crowd it isn’t the press that gives freedom of speech, nor is it preachers that give freedom of religion, or lawyers who provide for fair trials.

“It is the veteran who gave these freedoms,” she said from a speech prepared by Michaud. “These brave men and women deserve out respect.”

Nearly 300 people packed Muskie Auditorium at Mountain Valley High School to honor veterans at ceremonies Tuesday.

Quaid and Michaud’s words weren’t the only ones giving respect to the nearly 100 veterans and auxiliary members who turned out for the ceremonies.

“I don’t think the vets get enough recognition,” said Lucie Selwood of Winthrop, who attended this year’s ceremony to hear a friend sing in the Rumford Area Association for the Performing Arts chorus.

Cliff Haynes, a senior at MVHS and member of the high school’s chorus said he was pleased to be part of it.

“It’s good to honor them. They did a lot for our country,” he said.

“People should remember,” said MVHS band member Alex Bronish.

This year’s ceremonies, held at the high school for the third consecutive year, drew more people than usual.

This higher number may be the result of the ongoing war in Iraq and American forces in Afghanistan, said Albert Paul, a World War II veteran who organized the event. The local Veterans of Foreign Wars post organizes the area’s annual Veterans Day ceremonies, while the Rumford American Legion puts together the Memorial Day services in May.

Following the indoor portion of Tuesday’s events, wreathes were laid at the war memorial at the Rumford rotary. On the previous Sunday, a traditional veterans mass was held at St. Athanasius and St. John Catholic Church.

But on Tuesday, those attending were silent as the veterans, most from the World War II and the Korean War eras, marched into the auditorium.

A young contingent of Civil Air Patrol cadets preceded them, carrying the flag and posting it on the stage, quietly standing watch, while patriotic songs were sung and played.

More than a few teardrops were seen flowing from eyes as MVHS student Ian Miller played “Taps” from the front of the auditorium. The haunting echoes of the well-known military tune signifying the end of the day was played by another MVHS student, Matt Hutchins, from the back of the auditorium.

Lt. Col. Joseph Morin, a veteran of Korea, Vietnam and Desert Storm served as emcee, sometimes adding a bit of humor in an otherwise somber ceremony.

The Rev. Virginia Snapp-Cunningham opened the ceremony by asking God’s blessings on service people and their families.

“And blessings for those who have been scarred in body and spirit,” she said. “We also pray for peace. Teach us the ways of peace.”

eadams@sunjournal.com

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