WILTON — At the First Congregational Church on Monday afternoon, Nov. 11, a rousing program of music, speeches and an American flag folding demonstration portrayed attendees’ patriotism while recognizing the importance of veterans in maintaining freedom.

Close to 50 people from Wilton and other local towns attended the program organized by the church and supported by Wilton Ecumenical Community Outreach.

“A veteran of the United States is someone who has served on active duty in the armed forces, public health service, National Oceanic and Atmospherice Administration or environmental science service,” Leo Deon Jr., MDOL veterans’ program manager said. “On Veterans Day – today – we honor the service and sacrifice of all veterans.”

Deon wears multiple hats. In addition to being the veterans’ program manager for the Department of Labor, he is also the Hire-A-Vet campaign coordinator and chair of Franklin County Maine Military and Community Network Region Group [FCMMCNRG]. “It is challenging yet rewarding,” he noted.

In his role with the first two organizations, “using a veteran helping veteran approach, we focus on connecting veterans and transitioning service members to meaningful employment and also educating employers on the benefits of hiring veterans while advocating for those veterans to employers,” Deon noted. “Our employment effort means meeting veterans where they are, with no judgment to provide employment services.”

Primary employment assistance efforts include the Veterans’ Emergency Financial Assistance Program, service connected disability, obtaining discharge papers and training for career upgrades, Deon said. Maine’s Hire-A-Vet program has resulted in just over 2,000 veteran hires since 2015, he noted. “In the 2023 campaign, 237 veterans were hired at an average hourly wage of $29.55,” he stated.

Groups Deon is affiliated with can also help veterans needing resources and support. FCMMCNRG was organized in 2018 and Deon said there are differences in the challenges and barriers facing rural veterans and those in metropolitan areas. The two most important are transportation and technology, he noted.

The Franklin County group meets quarterly at University of Maine at Farmington. It supports and participates in area veteran expos and resource fairs along with homeless veteran stand downs, Deon said. “The support given helps direct veterans to financial support and resources, mental and physical wellness needs, fosters a sense of community and integration,” he noted. He shared an example of help given to a Maine veteran currently living in Florida that is making it possible for him to return to Maine in the spring.

There is no cost for services and support from the various agencies and organizations Deon is involved with. “Veterans services have changed dramatically since the return of Vietnam era brothers and sisters and it is the duty, honor and commitment of our veterans’ employment team in conjunction with the Maine Military and Community Network  to provide those services, resources and support to ensure all veterans have access to services and resources to thrive,” he noted.

“Veterans Day is a day we have set aside to honor those who have served and who continue to serve our country,” Senator Russell Black said. “These brave men and women freely sacrifice their time, safety and sometimes their lives so the rest of us can be free to pursue our version of the American Dream – whatever that might be.”

Those in the armed forces are the example of duty and honor, serving selflessly out of love for country, Black noted. “America has been blessed by generations of brave men and women who risked their lives so that their fellow Americans could live in freedom,” he said. “This world would be a very different place had they not answered their country’s call. Today we honor those men and women whose personal sacrifices have seen our nation through the toughest of times. They represent everything that has made this country great.”

Black referred to the rights so often taken for granted that have been paid for by the nearly 1.4 million Americans who either died or have been declared missing in action since the Revolutionary War and the millions more who were injured or able to complete their service safely. “That is why it is just as important now as ever to recognize the brave men and women who have put their lives on the line daily to protect this great land we all love so much,” he said.

Frank Giampetro appeared as President Abraham Lincoln, giving a stirring rendition of the Gettysburg Address.

Farmington Emblem Club #460 members shared the meaning behind each fold of the American flag. President Doreen Cardona sang the National Anthem, then Diana Oliver explained as each fold was made by Shannon Smith. Americanism Chairman Candance Clark, Maine State Association of Emblem Clubs President Karen Lecours, Carm Valliere, Reana DeRusha and Jeanne Norton held the sides of the flag. They were assisted by Jameson Sullivan of Boy Scout Troop #546.

Interspersed throughout the program were a variety of songs sung by Sammie Angel. Some she wrote herself, she added a verse to another to include information about both blue and gold star families, and one came from the World War II era. She often gave background on how a song became popular or her association with it. Her brother, Jim Harris joined her on a few songs and those in attendance were encouraged to sing along. The duo closed with God Bless America.

After a benediction by Rev. Rick Dorian, a sumptuous meal of pumpkin and black bean soup, finger rolls and desserts was enjoyed.