“Our veterans risked everything so we all could have the freedom to achieve anything. To them, our state says – and shows – our collective thanks –, on Veterans Day and every day,” said First Lady Ann LePage.
The Governor will deliver remarks at a 10:00 a.m. ceremony. Other speakers include the administrator of the Maine Veterans’ Home; songs by Cynthia McGuire with accompaniment by Faith Ames; and formal readings by members of the American Legion Post 179 and members of the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 179 of South China.
Governor LePage and the First Lady will also attend at 2:00 p.m. the dedication of the Battlefield Cross Monument at the Maine Veterans' Memorial Cemetery, Mount Vernon Road, Augusta. Governor LePage will deliver remarks. The Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery Association of Central Maine in conjunction with the Bureau of Veterans’ Services will host the special dedication ceremony.
The Battlefield Cross is a memorial that has come to be associated with military loss, and is a deeply touching and solemn sight. A standing rifle driven into the ground by the bayonet, representing the service member killed in action, creates the cross. The empty boots represent the final march of the last battle. Surviving members of the squad gather around the tribute to pay their respects to their fallen comrade.
The monument is an eight-foot tall bronze Battlefield Cross resting on a two-foot high Maine granite base, with an engraved bronze plaque which reads “All Gave Some, Some Gave All.” The plaque has the seals of all five military branches; Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard, representing that the monument is dedicated to all Maine Veterans, of all branches, from all conflicts.
“The Battlefield Cross will serve as a lasting memorial of gratitude to those who gave all. We are forever indebted to our men and women that have sacrificed their lives so we can live with the great freedoms we all share today,” said Governor LePage.
The dedication ceremony is open to the public, and all are invited and welcome.
WHEN: 10:00 a.m., Nov. 11
WHERE: Maine Veterans’ Home, 310 Cony Road, Augusta
WHEN: 2:00 p.m., Nov. 11
WHERE: Maine Veterans' Memorial Cemetery, Mount Vernon Road, Augusta
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