Pride in our war veterans

by Barry Matulaitis
     
     RUMFORD - For any war veteran, coming home is a special and memorable time.
     For veterans at the Maine Veterans Home in South Paris and several area nursing homes, a special dinner put on by the Western Maine Veterans Advisory Committee on May 2 at the Rumford Eagles Hall offered a chance to get together, share life stories, and enjoy a lunch and entertainment. Many of the jovial veterans in the room were coming back to their hometown, and the smiles on their faces were a sight to behold.
     "There's nothing like coming back home," said Joseph Cooney, who is chairman of the Veterans Advisory Committee.
     "I like seeing the smiles on the veterans' faces," said Rep. John Patrick, who along with Rep. Sheryl Briggs attended the event. "It's an opportunity for the community to come together to recognize their sacrifices. I've attended three or four of these, and they're really appreciative of an organization like this to put on an event."
     Music was provided by Don and Leroy Leblanc, Ned Desroches, Ron Trembly, and Bill Scott, who played country and western tunes that included some upbeat dance numbers that had those in attendance tapping their feet on the floor and even dancing.
     Town managers and veterans John Madigan of Mexico and Jim Doar of Rumford were in attendance. The veterans who shared stories included those who had fought in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.
     "Putting this thing together is a lot of fun," said an enthusiastic John Kezal, who is a liaison with the veterans' homes. He profusely thanked his wife, Ann, with helping to coordinate the event.
     "If it wasn't for Ann, I don't know who I'd get to do it."
     A moment of silence was held for those currently in service, and Rev. Ron Ashworth led a prayer. There were several drawings for door prizes, which included some gift certificates from the Oxford Federal Credit Union as well as a framed photo of the Red Sox 1915 World Championship team.
     Veterans residing at Victorian Villa (Canton), Rumford Community Home, Market Square Health Center (Paris), and Ledgeview Living Center in West Pairs attended in addition to those from the Maine Veterans' Home.