Maine residents remember fallen military personnel on Memorial Day
Several ceremonies were held throughout Maine to commemorate Memorial Day for those who sacrificed themselves.
AUGUSTA, Maine - Wet and cool weather provided the backdrop as family and friends honored servicemen and women who did not return home.
Memorial Day ceremonies were held across the state Monday, including at the Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, where thousands of military personnel are laid to rest.
Despite the incessant drizzle, dozens of people came to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
"While their names and exploits have not made it into the history books, their memory lives on," David Richmond, director of the Maine Bureau of Veterans Services, said from the podium.
The ceremony also highlighted the extraordinary sacrifices made by servicemen and women during World War II. June 6 marks the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings on the Normandy coast of France.
Kelly Wynn is a 35-year Army veteran who was part of Operation Desert Storm. He says the sacrifices of those who served in World War II should never be forgotten.
"That's why they're the greatest," Kelly said seriously. "They may be gone and there may be only a few left, but everyone remembers D-Day."
Mothers who lost sons or daughters serving in the armed forces laid wreaths, followed by three cannon shots and signal trumpets.
Bethel Shields' son Jeb was killed in March 1991 when two P-3 Orion aircraft collided during a naval exercise off the California coast. The 26-year-old Auburn native was the youngest of five children.
"It's terrible and hard on the children, the siblings," Bethel said, her voice trembling. "They miss him terribly."
Joyce Richmond's daughter, Denise, served in the Air Force for 26 years. She died of an undetected tumor in her heart. But other Gold Star mothers are helping ease the pain of the loss.
"Meeting other women who were going through the same thing and helping each other saved me from terrible heartache," Joyce explains.
Loved ones say it's important to remember those who fought and paid the ultimate price to keep our country free.