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By Turner Publishing Staff
SKOWHEGAN – Skowhegan’s Veterans’ Memorial Park has memorial stones that list the names of veterans from the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812 through the more recent conflicts in Afghanistan, Somalia, Kosovo, and the Middle East. Stones, large and small, stand tall as visitors can look down and walk upon the donated individual memorial blocks that line the pathways.
All the memorials, but for one obelisk, list all the names that could be found who served in one of the six branches: Army, Marine Corp, Navy, Air Force, Space Force and Coast Guard. The shiny black obelisk stone has the name of those who died during their time of active duty.
This year’s Memorial Day ceremonies were held after residents of Skowhegan and surrounding communities watched a parade that featured local law enforcement, fire and rescue vehicles, antique vehicles, horse and carriage, some Kora Shriners, and few marchers like Scouts and students.
The 11 a.m. remembrance at Veterans’ Park was led by the Rev. Mark Tanner, of Skowhegan Federated Church. Evelyn Lac Croix sang the national anthem and “Let There Be Peace on Earth,” which was much appreciated by the good crowd gathered around the park.
Eugene Cullinane, 95, a veteran of World War II, was recognized as were Vietnam veterans Harold Haskins and Billy Demo. Several other veterans were present, a few of whom help maintain Veterans’ Park.
Larry Ross, a retired Skowhegan teacher, focused his remarks on the service members who died from the Sept. 11, 2001, through the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. He spoke about U.S. Marine Maj. Jay Thomas Aubin, a graduate of Skowhegan High School. Aubin was known as Sweet Pea, because of his concern about others as well, and he was also known for s doing any job the “right way.” Ross, of Canaan, didn’t teach Aubin, but learned about him through a project his students undertook several years ago.
Aubin was killed in a helicopter crash while on duty. Ross concluded his comments by thanking Aubin’s mother, who attended the ceremony and was seated on a bench above a memorial footstone dedicated to her son that read “Marine Major Jay I. Aubin – August 8, 1966 – March 21, 2003 – Iraqi Freedom.”
PHOTOS: An Air Force veteran who served in Vietnam greets the Memorial Day Parade crowd in Skowhegan’s downtown (top). Larry Ross, of Canaan, a retired Skowhegan teacher, was a featured speaker at Skowhegan’s Memorial Day ceremonies, speaking about Marine Corps Maj. Jay Aubin, who was killed in Operation Iraqi Freedom (above). (Bill Van Tassel photos)
