Long may she wave

There we were, those of us who could stand, facing the unfurled flag, still glorious nonetheless. Standing at attention saluting Old Glory with gnarled, shaking hands, were some veterans in the golden phase of their lives. Some family members, clergy and friends also were present to pay their respects.

At the same time, we visitors also stood with our hands cupped over our hearts listening to the haunting refrain of taps, the taste of salt-permeated lips as soft tears flowed down cheeks. In the still silence of the room, the somber refrain echoed along with the soft “hiss” of assisted breathing devices of some residents in the room.

These few we honored at the Caribou Veterans Home had their lives’ spending spoken in several sentences: their places of birth, education, military service, labors, loves, marriages, now their deaths. It seemed, as a relatively short moment in time, nonetheless, a tender tribute. We respect them dearly, for they had given a part of their lives to the honor of our country and fought for our freedoms which we enjoy and cherish. The cost for some were their lives. Long may she wave, our flag. Lest we forget, we salute and thank you, veterans. God bless America!

Rita Olson

Perkins-Plourde

American Legion

Ladies’ Auxiliary

Unit 136

Stockholm