RUMFORD – Lawrence Whitehouse wore his bright, hunter orange cap to Thursday’s Veterans Day ceremonies. It was a visual reminder of the trip he and a hundred others took to see the World War II monument dedicated in Washington, D.C., in May.

The Korean War veteran from Mexico thought it was appropriate since area veterans took part in the salute to their own on what was once known as Armistice Day. All who went to Washington were issued the hard-to-miss caps so they could find each other.

Pattie Paul Odencrantz, featured speaker at Thursday’s ceremony at Mountain Valley High School, thanked veterans of all wars for their service, then shared some of what she had learned when she traveled to Washington with her father, Albert Paul.

Paul had signed her up to go, and as a nurse, she would be there to look after any medical incident that might happen among the aging veteran travelers.

She learned of a tail-gunner who was captured by the Germans, then became a prisoner of war for nine months, losing 50 pounds during that time. She told of another veteran who dropped a depth charge on submarines, then helped rescue the German soldiers caught in the chaos.

“He told me, those soldiers were young, just like us,'” she said.

She told of nurses who served on hospital trains, criss-crossing the country, picking up and treating wounded and injured soldiers, and of the sadness so many felt when they spent what is usually a snowy, cold, and family-oriented Christmas in the hot, steamy South Pacific where the traditional Christmas dinner was served in a mess tent.

“This year, when you are dressed in your winter clothes and coming out from church, think of those veterans, so far from home,” she said, both of those who have already served, and those serving today in Iraq and Afghanistan.

She said she felt proud in Washington as veterans from all over the country were given so much respect for their service.

“I wish veterans would be respected everyday,” she said. “This past Memorial Day, the nation’s World War II veterans were thanked. I think it’s time Rumford thanked them, too.”

She suggested that people show respect by adopting a vet, visiting them, and asking if there’s anything they can do to help.

“Before you leave today, shake the hand of a vet and thank them,” she said.

Thursday’s turnout was higher than usual. At least two-thirds of the auditorium was filled, and both the high school’s band and chorus sang, along with the RAAPA chorus.

Karen Ellis of Mexico said she attends the Veterans Day ceremonies every year.

“I want to pay respects to the veterans. It’s just a little part of what I can do to give back,” she said.