Monument honors ‘forgotten’ WWII missions

AUGUSTA – World War II’s “Forgotten Theater of Operations,” the China-India-Burma Theater, or CBI, has been overshadowed by other facets of that era’s history.

Most Americans, even those of the “Greatest Generation” remember D-Day, the Battle of the Bulge, Guadalcanal and Iwo Jima. But the thousands of soldiers, sailors and airmen who served in the CBI performed valuable services including direct combat with Merrill’s Marauders, the best-known group; air support with the 14th Air Force and transport planes “over the hump;” and weather watching for the Pacific Fleet.

Many divisions of Japanese troops were tied down in the CBI and killed by direct action there.

Those who served in the CBI 1941-1946 are now recognized with the dedication of a monument on the Avenue of Flags at the Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Augusta.

The monument is the culmination of fund drives conducted by the Pine Tree Basha to erect a permanent memorial as the members who served dwindle in number.

At the dedication ceremony, veterans and their spouses enjoyed perfect Maine fall weather as the flags flew overhead.

Veterans who attended the ceremony were Lionel Castonguay, Roy Nickerson, Winston Greaton, Harold Griffith, Robert Witham, Norm Nickerson, Fernand Potvin and associate member John Griffin; with spouses Mary Greaton, Susan Witham, Yvette Potvin, Nancy Griffin, June Griffin, the widow of Lewis J. Griffin; and Lionel Castonguay’s sons, Donald and Gerald Castonguay; and Roy Nickerson’s son, Randall.

Associate member John Griffin acted as master of ceremonies. The group was reminded before adjourning that historical artifacts are to be preserved, thus donations to the Maine Military Museum are encouraged. Ron Roussel represented the museum at the ceremony.

Those who are interested in learning more about the history of the CBI or have materials to donate to the museum should call Ron Roussel at 582-7568.