HAMPDEN, Maine — Residents of Hampden met on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, at the Hampden Veterans Honor Roll Monument on Western Avenue to recognize the service of active duty military members and veterans. The service began with the dedication of a new granite paver to honor the veterans of the Civil War. The paver dedication was prompted by Hampden resident and historian Richard “Dick” Newcomb who has traced the records of 150 Hampden men who served in the Civil War.
Allison Berube coordinated with Newcomb and members of the Whitcomb Baker V.F.W. Post 4633 to dedicate the new paver. Post commander Terry Bean unveiled the paver and members of Boy Scout Troop 1776 served as Color Guard and led the group of onlookers in the Pledge of Allegiance. Post chaplain Frank Lucas led the benediction.
After unveiling the new paver; a ceremony to honor all past and present service
personnel was conducted with members of the V.F.W. Post, including Kevin Bean, Kurt Slininger and members of the Ladies Auxiliary, including Alice Cote and Sally Gould.During the ceremony, a new paver for Hampden resident Steve Good who served in the Navy also was dedicated. Good’s paver was placed alongside that of his brother Robert Good, which has been in place for several years.
Newly elected Town Council member Greg Sirois was also in attendance and committed to working toward assuring that the names of Hampden residents who join the military and complete basic training will be referred to retired Colonel Craig Snow so that they can be included in future engravings on the Town’s Honor Roll.
Plans are in the works for a paver to honor Revolutionary War veterans next year.
Those who wish to purchase a paver to be included at the Honor Roll site may contact Allison Berube at 207-942-1890.