SOUTH PARIS — On Dec.7, many people took a moment to remember the men and women in the Armed Forces who lost their lives at Pearl Harbor. At the Maine Veterans’ Home there was a recognition for those who lost lives at Pearl Harbor, but also to those now serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Gunnery Sergeant (Ret.) Robert Poliquin Sr. is a resident on the assisted living unit at the facility. Recently, he was presented a United States flag that was flown in Afghanistan on Oct. 9, by the 25th Infantry Division over operating Base Salerno. The flag was sent to Poliquin by his son, United States diplomat “Boots” Poliquin, now serving in Afghanistan.

On Dec. 7, the flag was raised at the Maine Veterans’ Home, and then brought to half mast to honor those now serving abroad and those who lost lives at Pearl Harbor. The ceremony took place at the flagpole and was attended by a Color Guard from the local veterans service organizations, members of the Legion Riders from Rumford, members of the Western Maine Veterans Advisory Committee, Rep. Cheryl Briggs of Rumford, as well as residents, staff and family of Poliquin.

A letter from Poliquin’s son was read by Administrator Joel Dutton. In the letter, the younger Poliquin asked his father to thank the men and women at the VA home for their service to the country.

A certificate from the Maine Veterans’ Home stating that the flag had been flown at the facility on Dec. 7 was signed by Dutton, and pictures of the ceremony were taken to send back to Poliquin to share with members of the 25th Infantry Division in Afghanistan.

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