On July 26, 60 of Maine’s Korean War veterans were honored at the State House in Augusta by the Korean Consulate General of Boston and the Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services. Stanley Hodgdon of Hodgdon’s Island in Boothbay and Al Sirois of East Boothbay represented the Boothbay peninsula for this very special event. Posters of the veterans in uniform were created by the Bureau and many families were pleased to see their loved ones strategically placed on easels near their reserved seats.

The event opened with an invocation by the Maine National Guard’s Chaplain, Colonel Earl Weigelt, and Lauren Stevens (Passamaquoddy Tribe) singing a Wabanaki Welcome Song. This was followed by the Maine Department of Corrections Color Guard presenting the national colors (U.S. and Korean), the Pledge of Allegiance, and singing of the National Anthems for both countries.

Congressional Delegation representatives offered remarks and Brigadier General Diane Dunn, Adjutant General, Maine National Guard and Commissioner for the Department of Defense, Veterans and Emergency Management gave remarks and read a proclamation. Out of the 60 veterans recognized, 18 were from Maine’s Wabanaki communities which were well represented. Darren Ripley (Veterans Services Coordinator – Wabanaki Public Health and Wellness) accepted the awards on behalf of family members who were unable to attend the ceremony.

The principal, teachers, and students from the Korean Language School in Portland wore traditional hanbok garments and sang several songs for the 13 Korean War Veterans present and the audience. State Representative Holly Stover, whose uncle Arthur Barlow was killed in action in Korea, offered a remembrance of him and three other service members who lost their lives during the war to honor them and their four Gold Star Families who were present in the audience. This was followed by a moment of silence.

Jae-Hui Kim, Consul General of the Korean Consulate in Boston and David A. Richmond, Director of the Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services presented Korean Ambassador for Peace Medals, State of Maine Veterans’ Recognitions, and wooden plaques created by the Maine Department of Corrections Wood Shop to the veterans or their families.

The veterans’ recognitions were followed by Quilts of Valor presentations of handmade quilts to each of the Korean War Veterans present, a group photo was taken from the Grand Stairway, and authentic Korean food was served by Chef Hur owner of the N to Tail Restaurant in Portland.

Director Richmond noted, “Many people call the Korean War the “Forgotten War.” Today’s ceremony is a testament that our community and state will always remember it and the sacrifices made. To each of our Korean War Veterans – Thank you for your service and Welcome Home. We are so grateful for you and your presence with us today.”