South Berwick marks Veterans Day By AARON SANBORN SOUTH BERWICK, Maine — Remembrance of the past and hope for the future were two prevailing themes during the town's Veterans Day event Sunday afternoon. Community members were asked to both remember all those who have served in the armed forces and pray for those who are currently serving, which includes eight active duty members from the local Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5744. "I am proud to be a veteran, and my heart will always belong to the veterans," said Bernie Mushorn of the VFW. Mushorn and retired Maine Army National Guard Sgt. Major Tony Cincotta addressed community members and town officials from the front of Town Hall. Mushorn said he was thinking of the soldiers serving all over the world, particularly those in Iraq. He said he hopes a new presidential administration will bring them home sooner.
"God help us. Let's get this (the war) over with," he said. Cincotta, a lifelong resident of Berwick, served in locations around the world including Germany, Panama and Vietnam. He also earned several awards, including three Bronze Stars, three Legions of Merit and eight campaign stars for the Vietnam Service Medal. Cincotta said he doesn't think the world looks at America as a country with a "heavy hand," but as a country that's not afraid to come to the rescue of those in need.
"In times of danger and times of peace ... It's the sacrifice of the American veterans that secure the freedoms we cherish," he said. He went on to say that it's imperative to pause and keep the memories of these veterans alive. "The moon gives you light, and the bugles and the drums give you music, and my heart, O my soldiers, my veterans, my heart gives you love," Cincotta said, quoting Walt Whitman. The local VFW has eight members on active duty. Four are stationed in Iraq, according to Post Adjutant Malcolm Kenney. Kenney said the post reaches out to those on active duty by sending them phone cards and packages. |
