Senators, governor honor Guard’s 368th anniversary

AUGUSTA – A small celebration noting the 368th birthday of what would eventually become the Maine Army National Guard was observed Monday in a ceremony that could be described in a single word: “Oo-rah!”

The loud military shout of approval reverberated throughout the cavernous Maine State Armory several times as the soldiers offered their appreciation to Gov. John E. Baldacci and U.S. Sens. Olympia J. Snowe and Susan M. Collins for the elected officials’ unwavering support of active and retired service personnel.

Although half a world away, images of Mainers serving in Iraq and Afghanistan were invoked Monday as well as the memories of those who gave their lives for their country in the global war on terrorism. Brig. Gen. John W. Libby, state adjutant general of the Maine Army National Guard, remarked that sacrifice was an old story for his unit, which traces its roots back to 1636 and the threshold of the Colonial era in America when citizen-soldiers kept watch over their villages through the night.

“And 368 years later, we continue to do the same things,” he said.

Baldacci said the sacrifices requested of the soldiers are frequently shouldered by their families.

“It certainly is a very difficult time in terms of what’s been happening overseas, but we do stand as one here at home,” he said. “The role of the Guard has expanded since its infancy but the Guard members remain the protectors of our state and welfare as well as serving our communities. But they’re citizens first and they’re citizen-soldiers always with family responsibilities here and overseas where serious circumstances can mean tragic consequences in very remote areas.”

Snowe said fortitude and service have long been hallmarks of the Maine Army National Guard soldiers who are owed a lifetime of “congratulations, adulation and gratitude.” She said in addition to more than 643 members of the Maine Army National Guard deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan, more than 1,000 men and women had been involved in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.

“That’s more than 50 percent of our Guard troops,” she said. “On defeating terrorism there can be no doubt, as there can be no question of their sacrifice and devotion to create a new opportunity and a fresh start for a democratic future in two countries that were once consigned to tyranny.”

Collins said Maine’s guardsmen were following a tradition that was immediately evident to her when she met with troops in Bosnia, Kosovo, South Korea, Afghanistan and Iraq. All of the soldiers, she said, fought to liberate others.

“Against an enemy led by treachery and inhumanity, they fight for what is just and honorable,” Collins said. “They show mercy, never vengeance. In a time threatened by despair, they give the world hope. They are doing their duty.”

Birthday celebrations were held Monday morning by Army Guard units around the state, from Sanford to Fort Kent.

After a brief ceremony in Bangor, guardsmen spoke about the recent challenges they faced.

“I believe very much in the state of Maine,” said Capt. Brian Veneziano, a maintenance officer with the 112th Medical Company.

But it’s this dual role of serving the state and the country that makes him proud to be in the National Guard, he said.

Members of the 112th Medical Company served in Iraq airlifting injured American and coalition soldiers, Iraqi soldiers and civilians. Here at home, they also provide medical evacuations and help with fire suppression during the summer.

Maj. Blair Tinkham of the 286th Patrolling and Supply Battalion spoke about what the day meant to him. He and Sgt. 1st Class Shawn Gurney returned earlier this fall from active duty that included 91/2 months in Afghanistan where they trained the Afghani army to fight insurgents and warlord uprisings.

“It’s good once a year to sit back and reflect on all the sacrifices that our fellow servicemen have done over the years and what it means to be a soldier,” Tinkham said. “I think overall, it’s a feeling of pride.”

NEWS reporter Doug Kesseli contributed to this story.