Governor recognizes POW from Brooks
SOUTH PORTLAND
Gov. John E. Baldacci presented State of Maine Silver Star Honorable Service Medals to 12 former prisoners of war, including Vernon W. Clark of Brooks, at the new Maine Military Museum and Learning Center.
The governor also presented a proclamation joining President Bush and other governors in recognizing April 9 as Former POW/MIA Recognition Day.
ÒI am honored to present these medals to you on behalf of the State of Maine,Ó said Baldacci. ÒYou know all too well the meaning of sacrifice and of service. This is one important way that the citizens of Maine can thank you for your commitment to this nation.Ó
Baldacci said Maine has the highest proportion of veterans of any state in the country. Since August 2006, the governor has presented dozens of State of Maine Silver Star Honorable Service Medals. His intent is to recognize all veterans in Maine who have been wounded or been held captive during conflicts overseas.
The Maine Bureau of VeteransÕ Services has identified more than 425 former prisoners of war who have lived in Maine.
Of the 12 veterans who received medals, six were held captive during World War II, two during the Korean War and four during the Vietnam War.
World War II veterans recognized included: Stanley B. Durgin of South Paris, Ernest A. Henderson of Winthrop, Arnold L. Leavitt of Auburn, Emilien A. Levesque of Hallowell, Harry H. Melcher Bingham, and Raymond E. Reitze of Buxton.
Korean War veterans included: Clark of Brooks and Delvin B. Merrill of Naples.
Vietnam War veterans included: Charles E. Crafts of Livermore, Robert S. Fant of Topsham, Markham L. Gartley of Westbrook and Norman W. Spear of Windham.
Baldacci also recognized the efforts of Lee Humiston, founder and curator of the new museum to honor veterans. The museum features a large collection of POW artifacts.
ÒThe military museum is another way we can preserve the history of the people who have so valiantly served their country,Ó said Baldacci.