By Dominik Lobkowicz
Student Paige Powell shakes a veteran’s hand as she hands out carnations during Medomak Middle School’s Veterans Day Celebration Nov. 10. (D. Lobkowicz photo) |
 |
World War II veteran Fred McNally, of Waldoboro, grins as he shakes the hand of Elias Miller, the student who read McNally’s brief biography at the Medomak Middle School Veterans’ Day Celebration Nov. 10. McNally was later presented with a gift of an American flag. (D. Lobkowicz photo) |
 |
Retired Army Lt. Col. Walter White, of Waldoboro, crams his hat onto the head of his grandson, Kevin White. Lt. Col. White was one of five veterans specially honored at Medomak Middle School’s Veterans Day Celebration Nov. 10. (D. Lobkowicz photo) |
Medomak Middle School held its seventh annual celebration of America’s veterans Nov. 10, using ceremony, music, and readings to recognize and honor the sacrifices veterans have
made for the country.
Six veterans with local ties were specially recognized with a place of honor on the stage and a short biography read by a student (some the child or grandchild of
the veteran): John Hendsbee, U.S. Navy; Shane Strause, U.S. Navy; Andrew Pinkham, U.S. Marine Corps; Walter White, U.S. Army; Fred McNally, U.S. Army; and Theresa Bowers, U.S.
Navy.
Bowers, a nurse who cares for cancer patients, was unable to attend the ceremony, nor was Pinkham, who is currently serving and is awaiting deployment to Japan from
North Carolina.
Pinkham is the son of Linda Pinkham, a math teacher at Medomak Middle School.
“I really miss him,” said Linda Pinkham. “He’s an awesome kid when he comes home. He’ll do anything for anybody.”
McNally, a World War II veteran, was honored with a gift flag from the school.
“I’m surprised, I didn’t expect that. I appreciate it,” McNally said.
It was McNally’s first time attending one of the school’s ceremonies, and he said he enjoyed it.
White said he had been to about five such ceremonies in the area, including three or four previously at Medomak Middle School.
“I love these events, so I’ll go every year as long as I can,” he said.
Written sentiments from U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, U.S. Rep. Mike Michaud, and State Rep. Jeffrey Evangelos recognizing the service and sacrifice of the nation’s
veterans were read aloud.
“The Americans we honor on Veterans’ Day served our nation and all mankind,” Collins said in her letter. “They humbled tyrants, defended the innocent, and freed the
oppressed.”
“Those who serve today – the veterans of tomorrow – carry on this great mission,” she said. “They, like those who came before, have earned our deepest thanks; not
just on Veterans’ Day but for all the days to come.”
The event included several patriotic musical performances by students and the school band and chorus, as well as readings of student essays, the Gettysburg Address,
and others.
Interim Assistant Principal Beth Ahlholm concluded the ceremony.
“A memorial’s message is not just a remembrance of a past sacrifice. It is a reminder to future generations that the torch of freedom is now theirs to carry,”
Ahlholm said. “Our heartfelt gratitude for all the veterans, men and women, who have earned and continue to deserve our esteem. We honor you all.”
