Firefighters to help salute Maine military personnel on deployment to Afghanistan

Firefighters to help salute Maine military personnel on deployment to Afghanistan
Portland Daily Sun
Written by David Carkhuff
Published Date Thursday, 08 August 2013

This Saturday at 9:25 a.m., Portland Mayor Michael Brennan and Maine Gov. Paul LePage will join the Portland and South Portland fire departments and other community groups to participate in a send-off ceremony for the soldiers of the 133rd Engineer Battalion and 1035th Survey and Design Team of the Maine Army National Guard as they depart Maine for a deployment to Afghanistan.

The two fire departments will raise the American Flag at the entrance of the Portland Exposition Building in honor of the men and women of the 133rd and 1035th and their service. A ladder truck from each department will hold the flag aloft as members of the 133rd and 1035th and their families pass underneath and enter the building.

The departments' color guard will stand at attention during the ceremony.

"We have a feeling of pride that the 133rd and 1035th have chosen us to be part of their send-off. It is an honor for all of us to be able to recognize these Mainers and their dedication and service to our nation. We hope that the 133rd and 1035th return home safely and soon," said Portland Fire Chief Jerome LaMoria.
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