Keywords: World War II Historical Items Showing 3 of 396 View
All Contributed by: Durham Historical Society Date: circa 1946
Contributed by: Norway Historical Society Location: South
Portland Media: Ink On paper In 1954, November 11 became known
as Veterans Day, a time to honor American veterans of all wars.
The holiday originated, however, as a way to memorialize the end
of World War I, November 11, 1918, and to "perpetuate peace
through good will and mutual understanding between nations."
Mainers were involved in World War I as soldiers, nurses, and
workers on the homefront aiding the military effort. Mainers
have been held prisoners in conflicts fought on Maine and
American soil and in those fought overseas. In addition, enemy
prisoners from several wars have been brought to Maine soil for
the duration of the war. Black soldiers served in Maine during
World War II, assigned in small numbers throughout the state to
guard Grand Trunk rail lines from a possible German attack. The
soldiers, who lived in railro