WEST PARIS – Town officials and schoolchildren gathered with around 200 veterans to remember and honor American servicemen and women from West Paris and around the world who have served and still serve today.

During the ceremony at the town’s Memorial Park, prayers were offered by Pastors Bruce Tyner and Lloyd Waterhouse, letters were read from U.S. Sens. Susan Collins and Olympia Snowe and patriotic songs were sung by local schoolchildren. Also, veteran and Selectman Wade Rainey spoke in honor of all American servicemen and women who have served so that we can continue to live in freedom.

Carlene Trembly read a letter from Sen. Collins, which said: “Today we honor our men and women from days past as they served not as conquerors but as liberators to help the cause of world peace.”

Representing Snowe, Erin Staples read words supporting her sentiments and those of Sen. Collins, thanking all servicemen and women who have sacrificed their valuable time and many their lives for those of us who enjoy living in a free country.

Opening the ceremony Pastor Tyner said, “We gather here today to enjoy the freedom purchased by men and women who care. Thanks to those who have given the ultimate sacrifice as well as those who have returned, we are still a free nation.”

Pastor Waterhouse said, “We stand here today on free soil and breathe free air, and we must never forget the sacrifice of those who have left home and family to preserve our freedom.”

Five local veterans who served in Desert Storm and Iraq were introduced: Randy Jones, Vernan Inman, Richard Smith, James Ryerson and Walter Inman.

As a special salute, the Ring-McKeen American Legion Post Honor Guard discharged their weapons 21 times, and local resident Randy Mills played “Amazing Grace” on bagpipes.

The master of ceremonies was West Paris Town Manager Donald Woodbury, who thanked everyone for attending and those who participated in the program.

A parade involving motorcycles displaying American flags, Scouts, veterans and schoolchildren marched from the Agnes Gray School to Memorial Park as an added honor to veterans of all wars throughout our nation’s history.