On Tuesday, May 20, Sen. Cameron Reny, D-Bristol, and Rep. Holly Stover, D-Boothbay, honored Vietnam War veterans from the Boothbay region at the State House. The veterans were recognized with a joint resolution commemorating the 50th anniversary of the final United States combat mission in Southeast Asia at the end of the Vietnam War — the Mayaguez Incident that took place from May 12-15, 1975.

Sen. Reny and Rep. Stover hosted Phil Chapman of Boothbay Harbor and Jim Singer of Southport, both veterans of the Vietnam War who served in the U.S. Marine Corps. 

“We have so many reasons to thank these brave men who put their lives on the line for our country and our freedom,” said Sen. Reny. “This week, we honored the 50th anniversary of the end of the conflict in Southeast Asia, and we celebrate Memorial Day this weekend. It was special to be able to meet and thank Phil and Jim in person at the State House. Thank you to all of Maine’s veterans for your service.” 

“I am grateful to have had this opportunity to welcome local Vietnam veterans Jim Singer of Southport and Phil Chapman of Boothbay Harbor to the State House and to thank them for the sacrifices they have made for our country,” said Rep. Stover. “Our veterans deserve our deep respect and sincere thanks.” 

In May 1975, the Cambodian Khmer Rouge Navy seized the American cargo ship SS Mayaguez and its crew of 39 in international waters. This initiated a rescue mission by the United States Armed Forces to evacuate the crew from Koh Tang Island near the Cambodian coast. More information about the Mayaguez Incident can be found here. 

Sen. Reny represents Senate District 13, which includes most of Lincoln County and the towns of Washington and Windsor. Rep. Stover represents House District 48, which includes the towns of Boothbay, Boothbay Harbor, Edgecomb, South Bristol, Southport and Westport Island.