PARIS – It was a time for reflection in Paris and Norway on Monday, as people attending the Memorial Day ceremonies honored those that sacrificed their lives for the freedom of American citizens.

“We did not get here by chance,” said Gulf War and Iraq War veteran Steve Wallace in his address at Riverside Cemetery in South Paris. “We got here because of the men and women of the armed forces. All of those rights and those privileges and those freedoms have come with a price.”

Many war veterans attended both ceremonies. Wallace recognized Joseph Lamonte, 93, of Hill Street in Paris, the oldest veteran present in the South Paris gathering. Lamonte served in the U.S. Army in the Pacific Theater during World War II and received the Oxford Hills Chamber of Commerce’s Silver Eagle Award this year as the oldest known veteran in the Oxford Hills region.

Often, Memorial Day is associated with cookouts, outdoor recreation, and visiting with family and friends. Wallace pointed out that while these are all enjoyable and important activities, time must be set aside as well for recognizing the courageous men and women who made those opportunities possible.

He lamented the disgraceful treatment that Vietnam War veterans received upon their return from service. Wallace emphasized remembering and recognizing those who have served and never compromising America’s democratic ideals that servicemen and women have died protecting.

Norway’s ceremony took place at the war memorial on Main Street. As the sun shone and a light breeze rustled through the trees, the Rev. Leslie Foley urged adults to pass on the mission of fallen veterans to the younger generation.

“Remembering those who have passed away is just one of the tasks today,” she said. “Our children must remember who they are, what they did, and why they did it.”

At both ceremonies, “Flanders Field” and President Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address were recited as attendees listened in silence. A wreath was placed on the soil as a symbol of remembrance, a white flower was put beside it symbolizing purity, a red flower was placed in memory of the fallen, and a blue flower as an emblem of eternity.

The gatherings recited the Pledge of Allegiance and listened to the national anthem. The Oxford Hills Middle School band played in both parades and provided a stirring rendition of “The Star-spangled Banner.”

Current active duty troops were also present at both events to do a firing squad salute. This was followed by the traditional taps and a benediction.

For Memorial Day history buffs, there was also the reading of General Logan’s orders proclaiming the day’s purpose, dated May 5, 1868. Memorial Day commenced as a way of honoring fallen Civil War soldiers on May 30, 1868, and was called Decoration Day.

After World War I, the last Monday in May became an occasion to recognize all soldiers who died in all wars. In 1971, Congress declared Memorial Day a national holiday.

Following the Norway and South Paris ceremonies, attendees retired to the American Legion halls to talk to the veterans and enjoy refreshments.