Patriot's Day April 19, 2021

 

      We are now into our second Spring of the Covid 19 pandemic and another Patriot's Day will be celebrated without the special events to mark the 246th anniversary here in Maine or in Massachusetts.  None-the-less, it is appropriate to remember, in some small way, those who participated in the battles which would ultimately, win our separation from England and freedom to become the United States of America.

     This past week, I heard someone say:  "We die twice:  once when we take our final breath, and second, when no one remembers to say our name."  Four men who lived and died in the area of Portland, Maine,  we know today as East Deering, but then, Back Cove, were soldiers of the Revolutionary War and our interred at the Presumpscot/Grand Trunk Cemetery.  One, achieved the rank of Lieutenant, Crispus Graves and served in the Continental Army. 

    The other three, Privates John Sawyer, Simon Davis and Joseph Lunt were volunteer soldiers or militia men.  Because so many records of others interred at the cemetery have been lost over many years, there may indeed be others who participated in the war for Independence.  I do believe that Joseph Merrill, a veteran of the War of 1812,  is also a veteran,  as his name appears on the military rolls from Cumberland County.

      All four Patriots returned to their homes, married, had children, and resumed their lives in the young community.  Two lived to old age and two died in their early forties.

     But, on this Patriot's Day still in the throws of Covid 19,  we will remember to say our "thanks" to each of them for their service to our country and to our city.

     Hannah Flagg Gould created a poem called:  "THE REVOLUTIONARY SOLDIER'S BEQUEST".  Here is the first stanza for your reflection:

"Behold," the hoary veteran said,

"The silver  scatterd o'err my head;

A remnant of the auburn hair,

That curled in sunny clusters there,

When, in the land that now is thine.

With bounding flock and fruitful vine,

While Freedoms banner waves unfurled,

The envy of a gazing world,

Life was but slavery to me;

And when I fought my son for thee.

     My husband, Joel and I were able to place flags at the GTC and are pleased to report that Spring has arrived and so have the daffodils and other flowers.  Our cemetery crew from the city of Portland have also been through the cemetery and have taken care of winter debris and leaves.  We are very grateful for their attention to the Presumpscot/Grand Trunk Cemetery, realizing that they have many responsibilities to the city's many cemeteries.

     I am hoping that we can hold a Fall Planting Party this year and visit together with our Friends of the Grand Trunk Cemetery in person.  We wish each of you good health and well being for an lovely Spring.   Enjoy the photos!