DIXFIELD — A March 30 remembrance and recognition ceremony for military veterans will include a certificate and Gold Star Medal for Rupert Torrey, the first World War II soldier from Dixfield to be killed.
The Swasey-Torrey American Legion Post in Dixfield is named after Torrey. The awards will be presented to his family.
The ceremony is set for 1 p.m. Sunday, March 30, at the Post 100 headquarters at 8 River Lane.
Certificates recognizing wounded veterans, POWs and those who died in support of combat operations since the beginning of World War II will be presented.
State Rep. Sheryl Briggs, D-Mexico, said in a news release that the ceremony will take place on the 41st anniversary of the last American troops leaving Vietnam.
“I sponsored legislation in 2011 designating March 30 Vietnam War Remembrance Day,” Briggs said, “and I feel this is a great way to continue to recognize it, with the celebration of the 41st anniversary of all the troops who were pulled out of Vietnam, including my brother.”
Silver commemorative coins will also be presented to female veterans at the ceremony.
“Maine’s women veterans have served our state and our nation proudly,” Briggs said. “I am extremely pleased that there is recognition of their contributions in a place of honor at the State House.”
Maine Adjutant General and Vietnam veteran James Campbell will speak at the ceremony, along with Maine humorist and public speaker Gary Crocker.
Vietnam veteran Al Pelletier of Norway will sing “The Wisdom That We Gained.” He wrote and performed the song at the 25th anniversary of the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C., Briggs said.
She said the state will present certificates to all veterans who register prior to the March 30 ceremony. Any veteran or family member of a veteran who wishes to receive a certificate at the ceremony should pick up an application at the Mexico Town Office or call Briggs at 364-5665.
For more information on the certificate program or applications, visit the Bureau of Veterans’ Services website at www.maine.gov/dvem/bvs, or call the bureau’s central office in Augusta at 430-6035.
mdaigle@sunjournal.com
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