Senator Collins Participates in Jackman-Moose River 4th of July Celebration

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Jackman, ME — Today, U.S. Senator Susan Collins participated in the Jackman-Moose River 4th of July celebration, which included a parade and a ribbon cutting ceremony for the new flag poles that are being installed in honor of local veterans.  

“It was wonderful to see so many Mainers at the Jackman-Moose River 4th of July parade this year, as we celebrated not only America’s 244th birthday, but the 200th anniversary of Moose River being settled as well,” said Senator Collins.  “I was also honored to participate in the dedication of Jackman’s new veterans memorial that recognizes the many patriots from the region who bravely served our nation in uniform.  I am grateful for all of those in the community who organized these events and are keeping the American spirit alive.”

Anna Begin and the Ladies Auxiliary of the VFW designed the new flag pole installation outside of Jackman Town Hall near the veteran memorial stone. The project, which was funded through $8,000 in local donations, began in January, and the poles were set this week. There is a pole for each military branch, the U.S. flag, and the State of Maine flag.

During the ceremony, Senator Collins presented Harald Moore, a U.S. Navy Vietnam veteran and the 1st Selectman of Moose River, with a U.S. flag that was flown over the U.S. Capitol in honor of today’s ribbon cutting.  Mr. Moore is a direct descendent of Capt. Samuel Holden, whose family first settled Moose River 200 years ago.

Jackman’s last surviving World War II veteran, Leo Boudreau, passed away on April 15, 2019.  Since then, Chuck Mahaleris, a member of Senator Collins’ staff in her Augusta office, has been compiling the histories of the approximately 100 patriots from Jackman and Moose River who served in WWII.  The documentation includes military service records, unit military accounts, command histories, newspaper accounts, genealogical resources, family recollections and photos, and local resource material.  During the ceremony, Senator Collins presented the Town of Jackman with this commemorative project.  Copies were provided for Jackman Town Hall, local veterans and their families, and staff and students at Forest Hills school.

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