BANGOR – U.S. Army veterans William Plummer of Milford and Don Plummer of Old Town parked near Davenport Park at noon Friday to join others in commemorating the Battleship Maine.

“We’ve been [attending the tribute] for 10 to 12 years in support of AMVETS,” Don Plummer said, “to support the cause.”

AMVETS stands for American veterans, he said. The brothers both wore hats covered with military pins and badges and embroidered with the word AMVETS.

The Plummer brothers were two of many veterans who arrived at the park, at the corner of Main and Cedar streets, to honor the 110th anniversary of the sinking of the Battleship Maine inn 1898 in Havana Harbor, Cuba, which led to the death of 266 soldiers.

The shield and scrolls of the vessel were recovered from the bottom of the harbor and are on permanent display at the park.

In addition to veterans and other residents, the Bangor High School band was on hand to play music, including the national anthem, and the school’s Junior ROTC had two groups of student cadets there to honor the fallen soldiers.

Bangor High’s color guard presented the American and state flags and the honor guard shot off a 21-gun salute using seven cadets, each firing three shots.

Paul S. Colburn, past District 4 commander, was the master of ceremonies, and U.S. Rep. Michael Michaud, and U.S. Sens. Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins were on hand to read their letters.

Chief Petty Officer Rob Hudson, commanding officer of the Bangor Naval Operational Support Center, gave the memorial address and two of his petty officers placed a floral arrangement at the base of the monument.

Bangor council Chairman Susan Hawes proclaimed Feb. 15 “Remember the Maine Day” and Councilor Hal Wheeler played taps to end the ceremony.

“Remember and honor all those who have served our country,” Hawes said as part of her proclamation.

After the ceremony, the veterans, including Bill Plummer, who served in Vietnam and Korea, and his brother Don Plummer, a Vietnam veteran, slowly made their way back to their vehicles. Some rolled up flags as others stopped to greet old friends.

The group was invited to a free chowder lunch at the Bangor Elks Club on the Odlin Road after the ceremony.

nricker@bangordailynews.net

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