Brewer, Hermon high school students honor veterans

BREWER – Lawrence “Bud” Lyford is proud as punch of his new white T-shirt with the blue logo with dog tags.

“Honoring All Who Served,” the T-shirt proclaims, “Brewer High School Veterans Assembly 2005.” Some 30 military veterans took part in the assembly the day before Veterans Day, presented by the Student Council and Key Club.

There were tears in the eyes of all those veterans, the World War II vet said, to think that the young people at Brewer High appreciated their service.

Student Council President Brendan Carr read the history of Veterans Day, which is held each Nov. 11. It was originally Armistice Day, marking the date in 1918 when a truce ended the first World War.

Lyford said he was especially touched by the MIA-POW table set up by the 101st Air Refueling Wing of the Maine Air National Guard.

With retired Senior Master Sgt. Michael Gleason reading the ceremony and Tech Sgt. Jeff Patterson presenting it, the students viewed the tableau that is set up for POW-MIA observances – the small table representing the frailty of one prisoner alone against oppressors. A single red rose symbolizing family and loved ones, a slice of lemon as the bitter fate, salt for tears. And always, one empty chair tipped forward against the table, representing the service man or woman still missing or a prisoner.

The 195th Army Band provided music for the day. Honored guests were Gen. John Bubar, Gen. Robert Carmichael, the Maine Army National Guard, area veterans, the Maine Air National Guard Honor Guard, Gleason, Patterson and Master Sgt. Kim Files.

Participating during the presenting of the colors and the playing of the national anthem were members of the Hermon High School Junior ROTC Honor Guard: Sgt. 1st Class Tom Copeland, Cadet Jeff Blaine, Cadet John Greenlee, Cadet Elizabeth Noyes, Cadet Duncan Dorr and Cadet Justin Hazlett.

Also helping with the event were Joanna Pennypacker, art department; Brady Harris, music department; Melanie Moore, Key Club president, and Michael F. Hutchins, adviser, Brewer High School; and Chief Warrant Officer Chris Bowers, Hermon High School Junior ROTC.