Vietnam Veterans Remembrance Day debuts March 30 in Rumford
RUMFORD — River Valley veterans who served during the Vietnam War are invited to attend a special recognition ceremony Friday, March 30.
It will be held at 1 p.m. at American Legion Post 24, 184 Congress St. in Rumford.
All veterans from all services are welcome to attend and be recognized on this day, co-organizer Rep. Sheryl Briggs, D-Mexico, said recently.
“I would like to see all veterans attend this event so that we can honor and thank them,” Briggs said.
Last year, Briggs worked to pass legislation designating the day as Vietnam Veterans Remembrance Day in Maine.
Maine officials will be presenting certificates of appreciation to all veterans in attendance for their military service.
The ceremony will include presentation of Maine Silver Star Honorable Service Medals to those who were wounded in combat and awarded a Purple Heart.
The families of those who made the ultimate sacrifice during World War II, Korea and Vietnam will receive the Maine Gold Star Honorable Service Medal.
Additionally, Maine Bronze Star Honorable Service Medals will be presented to the families of those who died in the line of duty, but not in a combat zone.
Veterans and Gold and Bronze Star families attending should contact Maine Veterans Services to ensure they are placed on the list to receive recognition, Briggs said.
Sen. John Patrick, D-Oxford, and Rep. Matt Peterson, D-Rumford, will join Briggs at the ceremony.
Officials are also looking for families of the following Vietnam veterans killed in action:
Spec. 4 Theodore Bernard, Mexico; Spec. 4 Edward Boivin, Mexico; Staff Sgt. Roger Gallant, Mexico; Sgt. George Reynolds, Paris; Cpl. Peter Dube, Rumford; 2nd Lt. Thomas Ferguson, Rumford; Pfc. David Thibodeau, Rumford; Pfc. Paul Barker, Paris; Staff Sgt. Robert Foster Jr., Paris; Spec. 4 William Harrington, Paris; Capt. Martin Niskanen, Paris; Staff Sgt. Hollis Buck, West Paris; Cpl. Chester Hopkins, West Paris; and Pvt. Leon Poland, West Paris.
Those with information about the family of these veterans are urged to contact Maine Veterans Services at 430-6034 or MaineBVS@maine.gov.
All veterans wishing to participate in this ceremony must also contact Maine Veterans Services to ensure they are placed on the list to receive recognition.
For information on the ceremony, call Rep. Sheryl Briggs at 364-5665.