LEWISTON – After a year of wrapping trees in yellow ribbon, dedicating parks and welcoming soldiers home, the city of Lewiston will be recognized for its patriotism.
The Paralyzed Veterans of America has chosen Lewiston as its “2005 Most Patriotic City,” the first such award by the group.
And it was an easy choice, said David Uchic, a spokesman for the nationwide organization.
The sheer volume of activities, from the creation of Veterans Memorial Park to last December’s screening of the documentary “Letters from War,” made the judges notice Lewiston.
“That’s a lot of effort and a lot of results for a city its size,” Uchic said. Other nominees included Brooklyn, N.Y.; St. Albans, Vt.; and Fort Worth, Texas.
A local man, Denis Beaulieu, entered Lewiston for consideration when he filled out a questionnaire on the organization’s Web site, Uchic said.
The Sun Journal, city officials and representatives of the Uchic’s group have all been unable to reach Beaulieu for comment on the nomination.
Tumultuous times’
The award was created to encourage cities to recognize anyone who serves in the military.
“In these tumultuous times, it is important that we show appreciation for those individuals who have served or are currently serving our country to keep it free,”said Delatorro McNeal, the executive director of the Paralyzed Veterans of America in a prepared statement.
After the nominations, staffers from the organization researched each city.
The award brings a measure of pride, Lewiston Mayor Lionel Guay said Tuesday.
“It shows that people from Lewiston are not afraid to show their thankfulness to veterans,” Guay said.
The official awards ceremony is scheduled to take place at 10:30 a.m. Monday in the Lewiston City Council chambers. A color guard and a military band are expected to take part in the ceremony.
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