GREENWOOD — More than 100 people turned out at the Jackson-Silver American Legion Post No. 68 Sunday afternoon to honor Oxford County veterans.

Maine first lady Ann LePage delivered the keynote address at the event, which was organized by Len Greaney, candidate for the state Senate and a veteran researcher. Greaney and his family have made a personal crusade of finding and honoring every last Oxford County veteran. Greaney has organized two similar recognition services for veterans in the River Valley area. There will be another one in the spring for veterans not yet recognized.

Gen. Peter Ogden, director of Maine Veterans Services, provided Maine certificates of appreciation from the state for all the veterans invited from the area around Greenwood. Personally engraved Maine Gold Star medals were given to widows or other survivors of veterans who gave their lives for our country. Maine Silver Stars were given to all recipients of the Purple Heart and former prisoners of war. In addition, female veterans were given a personal letter from the first lady and a specially struck medal honoring Maine’s female veterans.

Special recognition was given to 102-year-old World War II Army nurse Anne Pippo and her 99-year-old sister, Vera, who served the U.S. Marines in WW II, Korea and Vietnam. Since the sisters could not make the service, Greaney said he will deliver the awards to them, as well as all of the awards that could not be presented at the service.

Post Commander Wayne Hakala directed attention to the POW-MIA table, “a symbol of those still missing and those captured and not yet returned,” he said. The table was at one side of the front of the hall with a place setting, a small American flag and a single red rose. The tablecloth was embroidered with a motto saying the POW and MIA will not be forgotten.

The governor’s wife said that during her time as Maine’s first lady she has taken up active service personnel, veterans and their families as her primary public service. “We do not honor veterans to make ourselves feel good,” she said, “but because supporting our troops is an obligation we have. It is crucial that we say ‘thank you!’ as well as ‘welcome home’ to our vets. They deployed and put their lives on the line to protect our freedom. They had the patriotism and courage to serve our country.” She said that active-duty families and veterans are regular guests at the Blaine House.

U.S. Sen. Olympia Snowe could not be present, but she sent a letter stating that we have “limitless appreciation and the utmost respect for our veterans. We owe them a debt we cannot ever repay but must never forget.”

U.S. Sen. Susan Collins sent a message thanking our veterans. “Throughout our history you have left the comforts of home to protect our freedom,” she said.

U.S. Rep. Mike Michaud sent word “to the new generation now serving overseas. Your sacrifice will live forever in the fabric of our nation’s history.”

There will be another veteran recognition ceremony in the spring for veterans not reached in the previous ones. Veterans who have not yet been honored, their survivors or friends should contact Len Greaney at 364-7485 or [email protected] to be added to the roster of Oxford County veterans.