Memorial Day honors and mourns the men and women who served in the United States Military and made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. I hope you had the chance to gather with family and friends, show your respect and appreciation for these fallen soldiers and enjoyed a wonderful weekend.

This day was particularly special to my family, because my mother’s first husband, Lt. Donald A Baker, died in World War II on Dec. 24, 1944, when he was only 30 years old. My family still honors his memory today. This quote from former President Barack Obama rings true for Lt. Baker’s legacy and all of these deceased veterans: “Our nation owes a debt to its fallen heroes that we can never fully repay.”

Susan Deschambault Courtesy photo

Last year, many cities and towns canceled Memorial Day parades and events. The COVID-19 pandemic was surging, and any in-person activity was discouraged to protect public health. We are entering a new chapter, however. This summer, with vaccines widely available and more and more Mainers vaccinated, we can start to resume our pre-pandemic lives.

That is why Memorial Day this year is even more special than it usually is. As we celebrated these service members’ lives, we also celebrated the start of a summer and the opening up of Maine.

With this newfound freedom, our communities gathered to have in-person Memorial Day ceremonies.

Biddeford had a Memorial Day ceremony with Saco. This ceremony had musical performances and special veteran speakers. It was lovely. You can also watch a recording of it online on the Heart of Biddeford’s Facebook page.

In Arundel, the Arundel Historical Society hosted two events Memorial Day weekend. On Saturday, May 29, they put together a yard sale at Greenbrook Farm at 68 Greenbrook Lane to raise money for the organization. On Sunday, May 30, Arundel observed Memorial Day at the Veterans Memorial at the Arundel Fire Station at 468 Limerick Road, with speeches, music and a wreath-laying ceremony.

Kennebunkport did not have an official ceremony to recognize Memorial Day this year, but the First Congregational Church of Kennebunkport hosted its 200 Fabulous Tomato Plants, Perennials and Yard Sale.

On Memorial Day weekend, I hope you were able to enjoy the beautiful weather, begin your exciting summer in Maine, and take time to honor our service members who have died. If you or someone you know has a fallen service member in your life, reach out to their family and friends and show them your appreciation for these courageous and selfless men and women by wishing them a Happy Memorial Day. We know their parents, siblings, partners and children are thinking of them today and every day. Whether you decide to go to a ceremony or other event, keep that sentiment in mind. We can never thank these fallen soldiers enough for their service, but we can honor their legacies.

As always, if you have any questions or comments about state government, please reach out to me via email at Susan.Deschambault@gmail.com or call my office at 207-287-1515.

Susan Deschambault represents Senate District 32, Alfred, Arundel, Biddeford, Dayton, Kennebunkport and Lyman.