This weekend we once again take the time to reflect on those that that served to protect our way of life, the liberties we enjoy, and the freedoms we have that we way to often take for granted.  The banners that adorn our telephone poles are a great reminder of those in our community, past and present that are no longer with us and those that are, young and old. 

This past Friday and Saturday, as the flags were placed on the graves of our veterans, I think about each one of them as I place the flag, say “thank you for your service,” and render a well-deserved salute.  I think about the fact that veteran was most likely 17 or 18 when they left home to join the service. They were the age of the kids graduating this month from our high school. Many lived their entire life in this region. Many only knew about the world outside of Maine from what they read in books or saw on the news.  Most didn’t really know what life in the military is all about.  They left family, friends, girlfriends, boyfriends and the only world they had know for something totally unknown.  Since World War II, we have been in a war or a conflict somewhere in the world, but not in the U.S. and absolutely not in Maine. So, not only were they venturing into world outside of Maine, but also the uncertainty of the hostilities that they may have to face. They raised their right hand and swore that “will will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic.” That they will follow the orders of those appointed over them.  I think about what that means to a young man or women who just learned out to drive, still not able to have a beer, whose parents were always there to help in difficult situations.  They enter a world where a total stranger, someone who hasn’t been able to “earn” their trust, is able to tell them what to do and that could mean telling them to go into harms way not knowing if that might mean they won’t reach their next birthday. In reality, most probably aren’t think about that, at least on the surface. What they were thinking about is that they want to be part of something larger than themselves. They want to do their part. They want to make their family proud.  Some want to follow in their family’s military tradition.   

But this weekend is about remembering those who are no longer with us. They served, they protected, they are all heroes. 

The next MVCC meeting is 2:30 p.m. June 3 at the Maine National Guard Headquarters, Camp Chamberlain, in Augusta.  Let me know if you want to be added to the list.