RUMFORD – Resplendent in slacks and a dark blue suit coat accented with an American flags tie, Albert “Red” Paul was named Rumford Citizen of the Year at Thursday night’s selectmen’s meeting.
Selectman Jolene Lovejoy said the 87-year-old World War II veteran won the plaque and honor for his lifetime of dedication to veterans, Rumford families and schoolchildren.
“Albert Red’ Paul is a hero in the truest sense of the word,” she said, reading from a speech prepared by members of the Rumford Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion, and community members.
Paul “is a regular guy that was born and raised in the town of Rumford, and has gone on throughout his life, living in a way that has distinguished himself in our eyes.
“We feel that he is a very special person and feel that he has brought honor to the town of Rumford,” Lovejoy said.
In 2003, Paul worked with registered nurse Loretta Bard at the Rumford Veterans Administration Clinic, planning and organizing a 2004 Memorial Day weekend trip for veterans to the World War II Memorial dedication in Washington, D.C.
After being hugged by his daughter, Patricia, in the midst of a standing ovation, Paul thanked the board.
“When I performed my various services throughout the years, I was not looking for recognition or for thanks,” he said.
“What I did, I did for my country, my state, and my hometown of Rumford. I also did it for my family and friends, but, more importantly, I did it for the men and women who are my fellow veterans,” Paul added.
Born on July 5, 1918, Paul was the third of the 10 children of Charles and Maris Stella (Harvey) Paul.
He joined Company B of the Maine National Guard at the age of 18, graduated from Stephens High School, and worked at the Oxford Paper Co. until the Guard was called to active duty on Feb. 24, 1941.
He fought at the battles of Guadalcanal, the Philippines, New Guinea, and New Caledonia.
After being honorably discharged in 1945, he returned to Rumford.
Paul, a life member of VFW Post 1641 and American Legion Post 24, taught marching skills and intricate parade routines to a group of elementary students at St. Athanasius School, Lovejoy said.
Among his many achievements, were a letter writing campaign to Maine’s senators to intervene and keep services at Togus for Maine’s veterans.
He also developed the idea of having Maine make license plates designated “Veteran” for veterans.
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