AUGUSTA – Gov. John Baldacci has proclaimed June 19 as Destroyer Escort Day to observe and recognize the valor and bravery of the sailors who served on destroyer escorts and those who lost their lives during World War II, the Vietnam War and the Korean War.

The proclamation came at the request of Rep. Dick Mailhot, D-Lewiston, and the Northeast Chapter of the Destroyer Escort Sailors Association. The signing took place in a State House ceremony with Sen. Peggy Rotundo, D-Androscoggin, Mailhot, Commander Normand Demers of Lewiston, and Andy Durisko and Jack Cody of the Destroyer Escort Sailors Association attending.

Destroyer escorts were designated as anti-submarine vessels, which provided lifelines and protection for convoys, aircraft carriers and other larger ships. The escorts were used in surface-to-air battles, surface-to-surface combat, shelling shores for invasion and other assignments including rescue missions.

More than 150,000 Navy and Coast Guard sailors served on escorts, including 1,500 from Maine. In World War II the ships were responsible for sinking 58 enemy submarines and numerous aircraft.

The sailors association was formed in 1975 to honor the men who served on the ships and to perpetuate the memory of the men who made the ultimate sacrifice in carrying out their duties. The Northeast Chapter was organized in 1996 to bring together those who had served aboard the ships and were from this area.