Olympia Snowe: “it is truly a solemn honor to join in recognizing these exceptional soldiers extraordinary enough to have worn our…”

“it is truly a solemn honor to join in recognizing these exceptional soldiers extraordinary enough to have worn our Nation's uniform as you gather for the unveiling of the Oxford County Vietnam War Memorial It is fitting and just that on this Armed Services Day, as we express our gratefulness to soldiers in service to our Nation, we commemorate those who saw service in Vietnam--especially the 37 Mainers who perished or are considered missing in action, whose revered names are remembered for all time on this Vietnam War Memorial. This tribute to their valor and their enduring dedication to duty reminds us that all the blessings of liberty we cherish today, the protection of our families, and the strength of our democracy represent our inheritance from generations past that we are obligated to safeguard and carry forth into the future. This shining example of their contribution will serve not only to inspire--but also to heal. It will ensure that we always regard with the highest respect the inexpressible debt of gratitude we owe all soldiers and their families which we can never repay, but must never forget. And to faithfully and appropriately honor those who have fallen, we must nurture and protect the founding democratic principles we treasure, for which they so bravely made the ultimate sacrifice.”