JAY – Clifford and Ann Sawyer of Jay were recently honored on their 60th wedding anniversary. Their son and daughter-in-law, Richard and Cornelia Sawyer, invited family and friends to LaFleur’s Restaurant in Jay on June 12 for the “diamond” celebration.
The function room was decorated with poster size pictures of major events that occurred during their 60 years together. The cake, made by Barbara Cook of Jay, had floating tiers. Fresh pink roses, representing the color worn by two of the couple’s bridesmaids, were placed between the tiers and also accented the top of the cake. A special program honored the happy couple.
Mr. Sawyer is a veteran of World War II, and in tribute to his service to his country, members of the Frank L. Mitchell Post 3345 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Jay, posted colors. The American, state of Maine and VFW flags were brought into the hall and “posted” for the remainder of their event. Mrs. Sawyer delivered a warm welcome to all the guests, followed by a champagne toast given by Russell Sawyer, the second of five grandchildren. He is currently serving in the U.S. Air Force and is stationed at Little Rock Air Force Base in Arkansas.
The Rev. Richard Senghas, pastor of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, bestowed a special anniversary blessing on the couple. After an elegant buffet, Laurie Sawyer and Brian Kohler, the couple’s first and fourth grandchild, brought special greetings from Cong. Tom Allen, Sen. Susan Collins and Gov. John Baldacci. They also brought special greetings from David Kohler, the couple’s fifth grandchild, who is currently studying for his doctorate in psychology in Chicago and was unable to attend, and also from Walter and Nancy Sawyer, their son and daughter-in-law. Mr. Sawyer is currently a colonel in the U.S. Army in charge of a battalion stationed in Afghanistan. Though they were unable to attend, they sent warm wishes from across the continents.
Special guests included the couple’s third grandchild, Carolyn Sawyer and her two children, Francesca and Geoffrey. Humorous highlights “From Then to Now” were presented by Richard Sawyer and Cornelia Sawyer, their daughter-in-law, who is a violinist with the Portland Symphony Orchestra, played several special songs. She was accompanied by Mickey Felder Duo of Gardiner and she captivated the crowd with “O Danny Boy” and several fiddle favorites.
The couple danced the first dance of their 61st year to great applause. They received a major ovation when Mr. Sawyer twirled his wife just to prove they still could. Prizes and gifts made by Mrs. Sawyer were given to the guests as a special thank you for being part of their special day.
Guests attended from Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Bangor, Norway, New York and Saco.
Comments are no longer available on this story