Memorial Day events remember sacrifices of fallen Windham veterans

By Ed Pierce

Once again, Windham residents were reminded that Memorial Day is about more than watching a parade or enjoying a picnic lunch, it serves to honor the men and women of the United States military who unselfishly gave their lives in service to the nation. It is not just a day off from work or the official start of summer. It is a solemn day to remember those who have perished in the defense of liberty.

American legion Post 148 Commander Tom Theriault, right,
reads the names of Windham veterans who have died in the
past year while VFW Post 10643 Commander Willie
Goodman tolls a bell for each name read during Windham's
Memorial day observance on Monday, May 26 at
Windham High School. PHOTO BY ED PIERCE 

During a Memorial Day observance at Windham High School on Monday morning, members of Windham American Legion Field-Allen Post 148 showed reverence and respect for their fellow veterans and recalled their sacrifices.

Post 148 Tom Theriault introduced Don Swander, who served as Grand Marshal of Windham’s annual Memorial Day Parade, and a Korean War veteran. Swander, who lives in Windham and formerly was the president of the Windham Veterans Association, helped to place a wreath at the Windham Veterans monument as part of the observance.

Lee Humiston, the founder, director, and curator of the Maine Military Museum & Learning Center in South Portland, was guest speaker at the observance. A retired U.S. Air Force colonel, Humiston created the museum with a desire to honor Maine’s men and women who have served the state and the nation for the last 300 years.

Theriault said that Humiston has amassed one of the largest collections of Prisoner of War artifacts and related items in the world. He said that he has extensive experience building exhibits and played a significant role in creating exhibits at the Nixon Library celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Vietnam Homecoming, as well as two exhibitions at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C., and the museum in the Hindenburg hangar at Naval Air Station Lakehurst, New Jersey.

Humiston discussed how the museum continues to grow and remains relevant for future generations of Mainers as they learn about American veterans and their wartime experiences.

“I built this museum not for me and not for you but for your kids,” he said.

During the observance, old unserviceable U.S. flags which were collected last week at gravesites at cemeteries across Windham were properly burned.

“The American Legion’s Ceremony for Disposal of Unserviceable Flags is a dignified tribute to the U.S. flag and to its symbolism.” Theriault said. “This ceremony is an effective instrument for promoting enhanced respect for the U.S. flag.”

For several weeks before Memorial Day, volunteers picked up old flags and replaced them on the graves of Windham veterans with new flags. Legion members also obtained new flags hung by the Windham Public Works Department on utility poles throughout the town. Those flags will fly all summer long through Labor Day in Windham.

The observance wrapped up with a reading of the names of military veterans from Windham who have died in the past year. Each time Theriault read one of their names, VFW Post 10643 and American Legion post member Willie Goodman of Windham rang a ceremonial bell paying tribute to their service to America. At the conclusion of the reading of those names, a contingent of Legion Post 148 members fired a 21-gun salute in their memory.

Attending the Memorial Day ceremony were State Senator Tim Nangle of Windham, State Rep. Mark Cooper of Windham, State Rep. Barbara Bagshaw of Windham, Cumberland County Commissioner Tom Tyler of Windham, Windham Town Councilor Mark Morrison and Windham Town Councilor David Nadeau.

Prior to the observance, dozens of vehicles and marchers paraded down Gray Road from Windham Town Hall to Windham High School to the delight of children and their families watching. The annual Memorial Day Parade featured members of the Windham Fire Department, Windham Police Department, a small marching band from Windham High, Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts, Boys Scouts, old military vehicles, Windham Republicans, Honor Flight Maine, Miss Teen Windham, Windham High School’s state championship boys’ basketball team, and the Knights of Columbus. <