Governor LePage Honors Fallen Heroes

For Immediate Release: Wednesday, May 25, 2011 Contact: Adrienne Bennett (207) 287-2531 Augusta, Maine – Governor Paul LePage today participated in a solemn ceremony recognizing Mainers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the Global War on Terror. Nearly one hundred people gathered in the Hall of Flags at the State House Wednesday to honor Maine fallen heroes. Speakers included Peter Ogden of Maine Veterans’ Services, Adjutant General of the Maine National Guard Major General John Libby and Governor Paul LePage. During the ceremony an identification tag for 11 fallen soldiers was placed on the Battlefield Cross Memorial. An identical ID tag to the one placed on the memorial was presented to each family in a ceremonial box designed for today’s dedication. A list of the service members honored today, the date of their death, place of death and home town are listed below. “Mere words cannot do justice to the sacrifices we have gathered today to honor and remember,” said Governor LePage. “We must come together to ensure that their memory is not lost or forgotten. They remind us that freedom is not our birthright, but rather is our inheritance from men and women who stood up to defend this nation.” The 11 ID tags placed on the memorial today join 39 other tags. In all, 50 Mainer\u27s have made the ultimate sacrifice between September 11, 2001 to May 25, 2011. The Battlefield Cross was dedicated to the State in 2009 and is displayed in the Hall of Flags. The inscription on the memorial reads: State of Maine Global War on Terrorism Memorial This Battlefield Cross stands as a lasting Tribute “To those who have made the ultimate sacrifice from a grateful State” Thank you for your willingness to serve our State and nation by answering the call to duty. With great pride, and deep sorrow we honor you for your sacrifice. You will be in our hearts and minds forever. Dedicated May 2009 The 11 brave men honored today: CPT Christopher S. Cash 6/24/2004 Iraq Old Orchard Beach LCpl Joshua M. Bernard 8/14/2009 Afghanistan New Portland PFC Jordan M. Brochu 8/31/2009 Afghanistan Oakland SGT Joshua J. Kirk 10/3/2009 Afghanistan South Portland SPC Wade A. Slack 5/6/2010 Afghanistan Waterville SSG Brandon M. Silk 6/21/2010 Afghanistan Orono SSG Eric B. Shaw 6/27/2010 Afghanistan Exeter PFC Clinton E. Springer 9/24/2010 Afghanistan Sanford 1LT James R. Zimmerman 11/2/2010 Afghanistan Smyrna Mills CPL Andrew L. Hutchins 11/8/2010 Afghanistan New Portland PVT Buddy W. McLain 11/29/2010 Afghanistan Mexicohttps://digitalmaine.com/governor_lepage_images/1002/thumbnail.jp