Participants sought for Flag Day ceremony on June 14

AUBURN — A small group of Auburn Citizens united to remember and honor all veterans who served in the Armed Forces of the United States of America at Oak Hill Cemetery on Memorial Day, May 28.

Auburn City Councillors Tizz Crowley and Leroy Walker had suggested an old-fashioned Decoration Day Ceremony and the American Legion Post 153 and the Veterans of Foreign War 1603 agreed.

Paul R. Bernard, commander of the William J. Rogers Post 153, served as master of ceremony. An old U.S. Navy hymn, “Eternal Father, Strong to Save,” was played by Ken Winter followed by a prayer by Pastor Donald Witham.

Lewiston Mayor Robert E. Macdonald shared a few words followed by a Decoration Day address by Auburn Mayor Jonathan P. Labonte.

Bethel Shields, president of the Gold Star Mothers, read a poem, “In Flanders Fields.” It is one of the most popular and most quoted poems from the First World War. Its references to the red poppies that grew over the graves of fallen soldiers resulted in the remembrance poppy becoming one of the world’s most recognized memorial symbols for soldiers who have died in conflict.

Carl Douglas and Keith Davis fired the cannon followed by taps played by Roger Renauld as the United States flag was being raised by Franco American War Veterans, Color Guard members and past National Commanders, Bertrand Dutil and Ray Boulet. Afterwards Crowley read the poem “The Things That Make a Soldier Great” by Edgar Guest.

The National Anthem was sung by everyone present followed by closing words and an invitation by Bernard to a meal at Post 153 served by the VFW 1603.

“I couldn’t help but think about all of our service men and women that were now deceased and unable to speak to us. I had to speak on their behalf and thank everyone for remembering and honoring their military service and our constant struggle for peace and democracy around the globe,” said Bernard.

The group is organizing a Flag Day ceremony for June 14. Any nonprofit organization willing to participate and display their flag can call Commander Paul Bernard at 225-3990 or email at [email protected].