At the conclusion of the veterans recognition ceremony Saturday at American Legion Post 24, retiring State Rep. Sheryl Briggs was honored by State Sen. John Patrick and Vietnam War veteran Dwight Murphy.
“Sheryl has always been a fighter. She’s always been dedicated. She’s had a wonderful heart. I will say that I am deeply honored because Sheryl took it upon herself to take veterans into her style of legislation and have them first and foremost in what she did. Sheryl has shined over the past four or five years in what she’s done on behalf of veterans and I know I’ve watched these events on numerous occasions and she’s at her best when she giving recognition and thanks to our veterans,” said Patrick.
During her last term, Briggs sponsored legislation designating March 30 as Vietnam War Remembrance Day. Previously, she coordinated a homecoming celebration for 24 local Iraq war veterans.
“And what could be better but our symbol, the American flag. Now I could go and just buy a flag and that would be fine. But there’s also a way of getting one that was flown over the state house. They said ‘what is the special occasion?’ Well, the special occasion, to me, is to honor Sheryl Briggs for what she’s done on behalf of veterans,” said Patrick.
“So this flag was flown over Maine State Capital in Augusta on Nov. 7, 2014 as requested by Sen. John Patrick and her friend, Dwight Murphy, for all you’ve done Sheryl. I was honored when Dwight asked me to be co-sponsor of the Vietnam Remembrance Day bill, and I’m glad Sheryl was willing to take up that cause as prime sponsor. She’s done so much, and on behalf of the veterans in the State of Maine, thank you,” said Patrick.