Remembering our fallen soldiers

Growing up in Boothbay, I never understood why the rest of the country considered Memorial Weekend to be the unofficial start of summer. Memorial Day was just as likely to be 50 degrees and rainy as it was to be 68 and sunny. And 75 degrees? Ha, keep dreaming folks.

But maybe that’s a good thing, because the focus of Memorial Day is where it should be: on our fallen veterans.

Remembering those lost in service was so important to our region that in 1924, when this Library was opened, it was dedicated to the memory of those who had served and those who had been lost in World War I.

The plaque above the fireplace in the Great Room lists the name of Boothbay Harbor men who fought in World War I. At the top, the plaque says “Boothbay Harbor World War Honor Roll.” It’s a sad reminder that at the time, no one thought there’d ever be another world war.

A plaque across from our front desk commemorates the men and women of the harbor who served in World War I, World War II, the Korean War, and Vietnam. Finally, a bronze memorial outside is dedicated to those who served in all wars and conflicts.

Sometimes people ask me why I work at a library. I tell them that I started my career in journalism, and the missions of libraries and newspapers are almost identical: to bring the freedom of information to everyone.

I’m thankful to live in a country that guarantees the right to read whatever I want, and therefore learn whatever I want, without fear or consequence. And thankful doesn’t begin to describe my debt to those who have fought, and those who have died, to preserve that right.

Upcoming Events

Friday Story Hour: Hear a story, make a craft, and sing a song with Miss Pam and Miss Harolyn. 10:15 a.m., ages birth to 5.

Saturday Story Hour on Demand: Personal story time and craft with Miss Harolyn. 10 a.m. to Noon.

June artist of the month: Rusty Court is showing his father’s paintings in the upstairs Community Room.

Minecraft Play Club: Because BRES no longer dismisses students at 1:30 on Wednesdays, Minecraft Club is now held from 2:45 - 4:00 p.m. Last meeting Wednesday, May 30!