Sacrifices of fallen soldiers honored by Iraq war veterans

Memorial Day falls on May 28 this year, and the federal holiday is an opportunity to remember the sacrifices of military veterans and to not take liberties in the U.S. for granted.
Andrew Pottle, a lieutenant colonel in the Maine Army National Guard, will be attending at least one Memorial Day observance. "I always go to the one in Perry, and if they're having one in Pleasant Point, I'll be there," says the Perry native. "It's very important to remember veterans who never came home."
A member of the 120th Regional Support Group in Augusta that services the 133rd Engineer Battalion, Pottle was deployed with the Army Reserve in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
"I was 17 when I signed the paperwork, so I've been in [the Maine Army National Guard] for quite awhile," says Pottle. "I wanted to do something for my country."
"It's often tough for me to put into words how I feel about Memorial Day. I have a lot of thoughts and a lot of emotion," he confesses. "It's more than just a holiday. It's a day to recognize those who never made it home, and it's a day to recognize those who came home but carry burdens."
"A lot of Korean vets and Vietnam vets weren't welcomed home, so their sacrifices should be acknowledged, too," adds Pottle.
Dean Preston of Edmunds, who was promoted to lieutenant colonel in the Maine Army National Guard in February, tries to be active in local Memorial Day observances. "After serving [in the Guard], Memorial Day is very important to me. I pick one or two events to attend to remember the fallen."
"I think it's important at this time of my life to have that day to reflect," he says. "I've lost friends, and that's very sobering."
Leonard Hanson of Alexander retired as a sergeant in 2008 after serving 12 years combined in the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Army. He also served two tours in Iraq, 2004 to 2005 and 2006 to 2007.
Last year, he was awarded the Bronze Star for his heroism in October 2005, during a fight with the enemy in the streets of Baghdad when Hanson was part of a 25-vehicle convoy.
"Memorial Day is much more personal to me now," he says. "My father was in the Marine Corps for 23 years, but I didn't understand the importance of the day until I'd actually served in the military myself."
"People think of Memorial Day as a three-day holiday weekend and not enough realize the importance of what it's meant to symbolize," he adds. "They think it's a time to barbecue."
"I would encourage them to go to a ceremony. The older veterans are dying, and we're losing pieces of history."
Hanson served as an educational technician at the Calais High School for four years, where he ran the Cadet Corps and spoke to the students whenever possible about the importance of the military.
"I still have students who call me for advice," he says. "I don't push my own values on them, but I'll help them out."
Hanson was a featured speaker at Veterans Day last year at Woodland High School and will be attending the Memorial Day ceremonies in Charlotte on May 28.