Observance of Korean War Armistice planned

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When she called and identified herself, it didn’t click, but when she brought the information to me, I knew in an instant who she was.

Olive Benton of Bangor called to tell me about a planned program to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Korean War Armistice.

We talked. I agreed to do what I could to spread the word, and she agreed to bring me the necessary information.

Imagine my surprise when she came to the office and it clicked.

I realized I knew her, but, the truth is, to me she’s always been “Mrs. Benton.”

We actually go back quite a long way, since our sons went through school together.

It was nice to see her again, and even more pleasing to remember that people such as Olive Benton, a Korean War veteran, are a very important part of our history.

The program to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Korean War Armistice begins at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 27, at the Maine Korean War Memorial at Mount Hope Cemetery in Bangor.

Relatives of some of the 245 Mainers who died during the three years of the war, 1950-1953, will tell their stories and music will be provided by the 195th U.S. Army Band.

To honor those who died, Bob MacThomas, a veteran of World War II, Korea, Vietnam and Desert Storm, will lead a walk from the Paul Bunyan statue on Main Street to the memorial.

After the ceremony, a buffet luncheon will be held at the Bangor Motor Inn on Hogan Road.

Admission to the buffet is $15 per person and reservations must be made by Sunday, July 20.

If you plan to attend the observance and want to attend the buffet, call Benton at 942-2559 or Marguerite Eckert at 825-3722.

Sponsors of the event include the Korean War Veterans of Maine, Burton-Goode-Sargent Chapter 1 of Bangor, Cpl. Clair Goodblood Chapter of Augusta and Mid-Coast Chapter of Rockland.

For more information about the event, call either of the numbers above.

Addresses unknown are becoming a common occurrence, and it is one reason Candy Eaton, executive director of the Blue Hill Society for Aid to Children, wants readers to know about a special celebration.

The society, which sponsors Nichols Day Camp and Scamp Camp, invites former society trustees and staff alumni and their families to celebrate its 40th year at 4 p.m. Saturday, July 19, at the camps on Walker Pond in Sedgwick.

The event begins with swimming and a social hour followed by a welcoming at 5 p.m. and a barbecue at 5:30 p.m. Guests may want to bring a folding chair.

Eaton reports invitations have been sent, but many of them have returned marked address unknown. The society members hope “to see many of the faces who have made it possible to provide a life-enriching experience for the children of our community.”

If you would like to attend, please call Eaton at 374-5548 or Clare Sullivan at 359-2563.

The rain date is Sunday, July 20, and you can call Eaton on Saturday to verify the date.

Bill Rae and the Manna Ministries staff have written to let readers know that Manna, which provides food for the poor, elderly and families living on a fixed income, has a specific need right now for soup, tomato sauce, ramen noodles, tuna and baked beans.

Manna is open 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at 180 Center St. in Bangor. Everyone who relies on its services would very much appreciate any donations you can make.

Anyone heading toward western Maine this weekend might enjoy taking in Founder’s Day from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Paris Hill. Richard and Sharon Newcomb of Hampden will act as Vice President Hannibal Hamlin and Mrs. Hannibal Hamlin and will greet guests at the Hamlin birthplace overlooking the White Mountains.

Newcomb reports that the event includes Hamlin Museum tours, an antique car show, music, antique sales and food sales as well.

He also wants the public to know that “The History and Alumni of Hampden Academy 1803-2003” is available at the Hampden Town Office or can be obtained through mail by sending $25 to Friends of Hamlin, 205 Western Ave., Hampden 04444.

For more information about appearances of the Hamlins, or about the book, call Newcomb at 862-3633.

Joni Averill, Bangor Daily News, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor 04402; 990-8288.