Post by Okwes on Dec 28, 2007 13:11:43 GMT -5
Governor Baldacci Presents Proclamation for Native American Veterans
June 6, 2007
Governor's Office
www.maine.gov/tools/whatsnew/index.php?topic=Portal+News&id=38862\
&v=article-2006
<http://www.maine.gov/tools/whatsnew/index.php?topic=Portal+News&id=3886\
2&v=article-2006>
AUGUSTA € ¦’¶ Governor John E. Baldacci honored Charles Norman Shay of
Indian Island today as he proclaimed June 6, 2007, as Native American
Veterans History Day in the State of Maine.
"Sixty-three years ago today, Charles Norman Shay was a 19-year-old
combat medic in the 16th Regiment of the First Infantry Division,"
Governor Baldacci said. "His unit was one of the first to land on
Omaha Beach as part of the D-Day invasion. The division sustained about
1,000 casualties that day. Charles Norman Shay survived landing on Omaha
Beach and did so while helping others survive as well."
Shay earned a Silver Star for his heroism on D-Day. Shay was captured by
Nazis in 1945, survived the German POW camps and eventually returned
home to Maine. Shay returned to action serving in the Korean War as a
combat medic. In the Korean War, he was promoted to Master Sergeant and
awarded the Bronze Star.
"It is clear than Mr. Shay is deserving of recognition, as are the
other Penobscot, Passamaquoddy, Maliseet and Micmac veterans of this
country's wars," the Governor said.
"I would like to pay special tribute to all Veterans who have paid
the ultimate price in their service to this country," Charles Norman
Shay said at the press conference. "I would like to pay tribute to
those who have been wounded, some very seriously. I would like to pay
tribute to those who have been fortunate enough to return unharmed."
The Governor presented the proclamation for June 6, 2007, to honor all
Native American Veterans and to honor Mr. Shay for his service during
World War II, the Korean War and the Cold War. In World War II, there
were more than 150 Penobscot, Passamaquoddy, Maliseet and Micmac men and
women living in Maine who enlisted in the military during World War II.
Total, there were approximately 30,000 Native Americans enlisted
throughout the country.
"Native Americans € ¦’¶ like many other Americans € ¦’¶ have
contributed greatly in service to their country over many decades.
Unfortunately, the part they have played in protecting their country has
been neglected," Governor Baldacci said. "We are here today to
issue public recognition that is long overdue."
Charles Norman Shay, originally from Indian Island, returned home five
years ago.
June 6, 2007
Governor's Office
www.maine.gov/tools/whatsnew/index.php?topic=Portal+News&id=38862\
&v=article-2006
<http://www.maine.gov/tools/whatsnew/index.php?topic=Portal+News&id=3886\
2&v=article-2006>
AUGUSTA € ¦’¶ Governor John E. Baldacci honored Charles Norman Shay of
Indian Island today as he proclaimed June 6, 2007, as Native American
Veterans History Day in the State of Maine.
"Sixty-three years ago today, Charles Norman Shay was a 19-year-old
combat medic in the 16th Regiment of the First Infantry Division,"
Governor Baldacci said. "His unit was one of the first to land on
Omaha Beach as part of the D-Day invasion. The division sustained about
1,000 casualties that day. Charles Norman Shay survived landing on Omaha
Beach and did so while helping others survive as well."
Shay earned a Silver Star for his heroism on D-Day. Shay was captured by
Nazis in 1945, survived the German POW camps and eventually returned
home to Maine. Shay returned to action serving in the Korean War as a
combat medic. In the Korean War, he was promoted to Master Sergeant and
awarded the Bronze Star.
"It is clear than Mr. Shay is deserving of recognition, as are the
other Penobscot, Passamaquoddy, Maliseet and Micmac veterans of this
country's wars," the Governor said.
"I would like to pay special tribute to all Veterans who have paid
the ultimate price in their service to this country," Charles Norman
Shay said at the press conference. "I would like to pay tribute to
those who have been wounded, some very seriously. I would like to pay
tribute to those who have been fortunate enough to return unharmed."
The Governor presented the proclamation for June 6, 2007, to honor all
Native American Veterans and to honor Mr. Shay for his service during
World War II, the Korean War and the Cold War. In World War II, there
were more than 150 Penobscot, Passamaquoddy, Maliseet and Micmac men and
women living in Maine who enlisted in the military during World War II.
Total, there were approximately 30,000 Native Americans enlisted
throughout the country.
"Native Americans € ¦’¶ like many other Americans € ¦’¶ have
contributed greatly in service to their country over many decades.
Unfortunately, the part they have played in protecting their country has
been neglected," Governor Baldacci said. "We are here today to
issue public recognition that is long overdue."
Charles Norman Shay, originally from Indian Island, returned home five
years ago.