BREWER – Louis P. Pare, a Brewer World War II veteran, was among 15 veterans presented with State of Maine Silver Star Honorable Service Medals from Gov. John E. Baldacci in a Hall of Flags ceremony Jan. 29 at the Augusta State House.

The medal was first awarded to Maine veterans in August 2006 and is given to those who have been wounded while serving their country.

“You’ve given us a wonderful example. You’ve given us a role model and a standard to adhere to, to rise to and to try to strive for. And I thank you for that,” Baldacci said at the ceremony. “It’s an inspiration to the troops who are now serving to live up to and try to exceed the standards that our greatest generation has laid for us.”

Pare enlisted in the Marine Corps in August 1943. On the third day of the battle of Iwo Jima, Pare’s 5th Service Battalion of the 5th Marine Division arrived on the Pacific island.

The troops were under fire almost constantly and Pare, who worked 16-18 hours a day unloading and sorting supplies and equipment, had both of his legs wounded. He was also awarded the Purple Heart.

At the Augusta ceremony, the governor was joined by Maine Adjutant Gen. John Libby and Director of Veterans Services Peter Ogden in awarding the service medals to the veterans.

“We – the general, myself, your friends and family – are all here to thank you for what you have given for your country,” the governor said. “You know all too well the meaning of sacrifice and service.”

Since 2006, 36 Gold Star Medals and 123 Silver Star Medals have been presented to Maine veterans.

Veterans recognized in January:

World War II

Raymond J. Cyr, Lewiston.

Ernest A. Henderson, Winthrop.

Romeo A. Huppe, Lewiston.

Bertrand E. LaFrance, Lewiston.

Leroy W. Linnell, South Paris.

Louis P. Pare, Brewer.

Rosaire Poulin, Augusta.

Raymond E. Reitze, Buxton.

Joseph R. Woodward, York.

Vietnam War

Gary K. Brooks, Turner.

Robert A. Darveau, Jr., Levant.

Carl R. Douglass, Hebron.

Wayne H. Elkins, Winslow.

Leon S. Gallant, Morrill.

Peter B. Sargent, New Gloucester.

In addition, 15 other veterans injured in combat received medals but did not attend the event at the State House:

World War II

Clifford J. Ayotte, Augusta.

Ernest H. Brian, Portland.

George L. Pacillo, Windham.

Alfred B. Sherman, Boothbay.

Korean War

William O. Malone, Portland

Joseph A. Paradis, Lewiston

Vietnam War

Louis J. Aceto Jr., Portland.

Albert G. Gower, Buxton.

Philip E. Knowlton, Woodland.

Reginald C. Parker Jr., Auburn.

Lester O. Paul, Pittston.

Theodore A. Perry, Westbrook.

Jerald E. White, Waterville.