WATERBORO — The Massabesic High School community paused to remember the fallen in an assembly at the school Thursday, in the lead-up to Memorial Day.
And while the ceremonies, conducted by the Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps, recognized all members of the military who have died in service to their country, one loss came close to home.
NJROTC Commander Shawna Alexander spoke about the loss in July of U.S. Coast Guard Lt. Sean Krueger, a 1994 Massabesic High School graduate who died along with two crew mates when their Sikorsky MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crashed off the coast of Washington state.
“(He) once walked these halls just as we do,” she said. “He experienced the same joys, sorrows and challenges that we experience, and Sean once played the same sports that you enjoy. He was here; this was his high school, just as it is yours.”
The ceremonies, conducted by the young men and women in their trim cadet uniforms, included a color guard, patriotic music and the flag folding ceremony, where each fold has a special meaning: Fold One stands for the 13 stripes that speak to the original 13 colonies; Fold Two speaks to the 50 states; and the remaining 11 folds invoke patriotic passages from the Constitution, the Declaration of Independence and quotes from former presidents and statesmen.
While the ceremonies took note of those who have died in service to their country, the cadets also recognized local veterans who held seats of honor at the assembly.
Patrick Kaufmann and David Randt, both U.S. Army staff sergeants and recruiters based in Saco, attended. Both men served in Iraq.
“We appreciate their support for us,” said Kaufmann of the NJROTC’s effort. “They’re very motivated, and they respect the uniform they’re wearing.”
As the Massabesic High School Band played the Armed Forces medley, veterans stood to enthusiastic applause.
Cadet Dan Mills was the emcee for the event; Elizabeth Elkington, 12, sang the National Anthem and country singer Brian Wardwell, accompanied by D.J. Perkins on guitar, sang “God Bless America.” Josh McDowell played taps.
Peter Jordan, one of the Naval Science instructors for the NJROTC program, said there are 93 students enrolled in NJROTC this year. While most are Massabesic High School students, some hail from Sanford High School and Bonny Eagle High School, which do not have their own programs.
Cadet Uriah Eilinger, a Bonny Eagle High School student, spoke about his commitment to serve his country.
“You inspired me to join the military,” he told the veterans.
He told the assembly that sometimes people ask why he wants to serve, and he usually tells them it is because he wants to save lives and give back. He said he knows he could save individual lives in other professions, but he chose the military for a reason.
“I don’t want to save a life, but a future,” he said.
Harold Jamieson, who served with the U.S. Coast Guard from 1967 to 1971 and is now in the Coast Guard auxiliary, said the young people did a good job.
“It’s nice to pay tribute. It gives us time to reflect on those who didn’t come home,” he said. “The NJROTC is a good group. They put a lot into it and they present themselves well.”
— Senior Staff Writer Tammy Wells can be contacted at 324-4444 or twells@journaltribune.com.
Memorial Day events
ALFRED: Memorial Day parade on Monday, May 30, 9 a.m.
ARUNDEL: Memorial Day Service, Sunday, May 29, 11-11:30 a.m., Veteran’s Memorial, Arundel Fire Station, Limerick Road
BIDDEFORD/SACO: Memorial Day parade and ceremony, Monday, May 30, 10 a.m., beginning at the Biddeford Veterans’ Memorial Park, concluding in Eastman Park in Saco
KENNEBUNK: Memorial Day observance at veterans memorial on Fletcher Street at 7 a.m., bands from Kennebunk High School and Middle School of the Kennebunks will perform at town hall at 1:30 p.m., parade will begin at 1:45 p.m. at the fire station and head down Main Street and end in Washington Park with a ceremony
LIMERICK: Memorial Day parade on Monday, May 30, 11 a.m.
LYMAN: Memorial Day parade on Monday, May 30, 1 p.m.
OLD ORCHARD BEACH: Memorial Day parade with Gov. Paul LePage, Monday, May 30, 1 p.m., beginning at E. Emerson Cummings Boulevard, concluding in Memorial Park
SANFORD: Memorial Day wreath-laying beginning at Central Park at 7 a.m., parade commences at 10 a.m. starting on William Oscar Emery Drive and ending at the gazebo in Springvale, Southern Maine Veterans’ Cemetery ceremony at 1 p.m., 83 Stanley Road, Springvale
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