Kirk Thurston, left, 1st vice commander for the State of Maine American Legion, and Mitzi Sequoia of the American Legion Post 24 Auxiliary perform a POW-MIA remembrance ceremony Thursday during a Veterans Day ceremony at the American Legion Hall in Rumford. Bruce Farrin/Rumford Falls Times
RUMFORD — “We can never repay the debt we owe to our nation’s heroes, but it remains our duty to try, and we start by celebrating them today,” U.S. Navy veteran Robert Tate told those attending a Veterans Day service Thursday.
The service was a collaboration by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1641 and American Legion Post 24, both of Rumford.
Ed Roach Jr., 95, commander of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1641 in Rumford, leads the Pledge of Allegiance on Thursday at the Veterans Day service in Rumford. Bruce Farrin/Rumford Falls Times
“Today, we celebrate the millions of veterans who have ensured our freedom since America’s humble beginning,” Tate, chaplain of VFW Post 1641, said. “We celebrate their determination, dedication and unwavering patriotism.”
Through war and in times of peace, he said, “America’s veterans have remained committed to ensuring our great country remains the land of the free, and it is surely the home of the brave. Throughout our history, time and again, our veterans have answered the call to service with resolve and resilience, and we have all reaped the many benefits of their selflessness.
“Those of us here today know the importance of this day, the importance of honoring the sacrifice of the relative few who afford each and every American the opportunity to live free of tyranny and fear,” the keynote speaker said.
“We teach our children of their sacrifices. We encourage others to show their support and appreciation at every turn. We work to honor our veterans not just on Veterans Day, but every single day,” he said.
He emphasized that every American has a role to play in carrying forward the legacy of our freedom.
“We can never repay the debt we owe to our nation’s heroes, but it remains our duty to try and we start by celebrating them today.”
Kirk Thurston, 1st vice commander for the State of Maine American Legion, and Mitzi Sequoia of American Legion Post 24 Auxiliary performed the POW-MIA remembrance ceremony.
A moment of silence was held to remember members of the armed forces who gave their lives while serving their country.
Before the ceremony, memorial wreaths were laid at monuments in Rumford and Mexico.
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