RUMFORD – World War II veterans from the River Valley area, as well as those from South Paris and other towns, were treated to a special luncheon and toe-tapping music at the Eagles Lodge on Thursday.
“I love it,” said Louis Cayer, an Army veteran who now lives at Rumford Community Home.
His feelings were shared by many others, most of whom are now residents of Rumford Community Home, Victorian Villa Rehabilitation and Living Center in Canton and the Maine Veterans’ Home in South Paris.
This was the first time veterans from the River Valley nursing homes joined with their fellow veterans from the South Paris home.
“They don’t get to see each other very often,” said John Kezal, Rumford liaison with the Western Maine Veterans Advisory Committee for the Maine Veterans’ Home, and co-sponsor of Thursday’s event.
The Rumford Eagles Club supplied the luncheon and music from its Friday night jamming group.
Dennis Arsenault, president of the Eagles Club and chef for the shrimp cocktail and beef stew luncheon, said he was pleased that the event took place at his club.
“We’d be more than happy to do it again,” he said. “The Eagles’ motto is People helping people and having fun doing it.'”
Elmer Richards of Wilton and William Dickson of Dixfield, both residents of Victorian Villa, said they loved being there.
“It’s really good. It’s something to do,” said Richards.
Also attending were other World War II and Korean War veterans, and town officials and other community leaders.
“We’re here to support our veterans,” said Rumford Town Manager Steve Eldridge.
“It’s very nice for them and a great day for them to get out for this,” said Mexico Town Manager John Madigan.
Kezal said 1,800 World War II veterans die every day in the United States. He said a memorial service for those local veterans who have died at the Maine Veterans’ Home is held every three months.
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