Calais - After more than 20 years in the military, Chaplain Captain David Sivret is retiring. But before that, he's being promoted from captain to major.

He knew a ceremony would be held in his honor, so he decided to share the spotlight.

"It's not just my special day, it's a special day for a lot of people," said Sivret.

More than 70 veterans from Washington County who were also recognized at a ceremony at St. Anne's Episcopal Church in Calais on Wednesday.

Purple Heart recipients were awarded the Maine Silver Star, eight female veterans were honored with a women veterans silver coin, and others from every branch of the military were given certificates of appreciation.

"When we came back from overseas, we never got recognized. I didn't dare to wear my uniform on the street back then because people would try to run you over or spit at you or something, so to be recognized, it means an awful lot to me," said Vietnam veteran CPL Darald Mitchell.

The awards were presented by Major General Bill Libby, the Adjutant General of the Maine National Guard, and Peter Ogden, the Director of Maine Veterans Services. Ogden has a goal to award the Maine Silver Star to all veterans from the state who've received a Purple Heart.

"I think it's great that the state is recognizing people and I think it's nice for us, but I think it's also more important for the young troops today. It's important that they're recognized and know that they're appreciated and the duties that they've performed are recognized as being very important," said Vietnam veteran SFC Frank Young

The men and women at the ceremony served in different wars, in different capacities, but what started as one retiring chaplain's idea became a way to recognize their commonality of service to our country.

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