SANFORD — They stood proudly when the Sanford High School Marching Band played the Armed Forces Medley. Some rose swiftly, while others ”“ tested by time ”“ took a little longer.
They were applauded for their service ”“ those who fought in wars that ended nearly 70 years ago or are winding down now, in Afghanistan.
Sanford’s Veterans Day commemoration began on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, just as most did across the state and the nation. Held in Memorial Gym, the event was marked by speeches, a drill demonstration and selections by the high school band. Those serving in all branches of service, veterans organizations and service clubs were recognized.
Among the speakers were Congressman Mike Michaud and Kristina Stanley, a member of the Maine Air National Guard studying to be a chaplain.
They were introduced by James Bachelder, who was the master of ceremonies. He pointed out that Michaud is not a veteran, “but he’s done a great job for us.”
Michaud, who has served on the congressional Veterans’ Affairs Committee since he was first elected, spoke of recent advances made in veterans issues. He pointed out that federal legislation has made it easier for veterans to receive medical care close to home, and strengthened the GI bill to provide easier access to education and related programs.
Michaud lost his bid for governor last week. He was off to Washington today on congressional business ”“ his work as a congressman ends with the swearing in of a new Congress in early January.
“We should be working for our veterans every single day of the year, not just today,” he told the assembly, pointing out that veterans are firefighters, police officers, medics, friends and neighbors.
He spoke of his work and his interaction with veterans while serving on the veterans’ committee.
“My service with veterans has meant the world to me,” he said.
Stanley, who also spoke at the event, entered the Air National Guard after a career as a nursing assistant, bartender and house painter. And it was during the early days of her service six years ago, when her father died and she called upon the guard’s chaplains for help. That event spurred her own religious call, she told the assembly, and so now she is studying to be a military chaplain.
As she spoke, she asked for volunteers to come sing with her, and several rose from the audience to sing “God Bless America” together.
“We are gathered here today because we love you and we care about you,” she told the veterans.
Veterans Day, she said, is “about coming home and remembering together.”
— Senior Staff Writer Tammy Wells can be contacted at 324-4444 (local call in Sanford) or 282-1535, ext. 327 or twells@journaltribune.com.
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