BIDDEFORD — First Lady Ann LePage was honored locally Thursday for her service to veterans.

LePage was presented with the 2018 Americanism Award from AMVETS Post 1 in Biddeford at the Maine Sheriffs’ Association conference at the Pepperell Mill complex by AMVETS Post 1 Commander Marshall Archer.

The Americanism Award recognizes outstanding service that promotes American values and shows a strong sense of civic and family duty, said Archer.

“Our 2018 winner has a plethora of accolades in her repertoire,” said Archer. He said LePage was very passionate about helping veterans and their families, and noted her work that included hosting dinners at the Blaine House for service members, advocating for veterans seeking employment, jumping out of an airplane to raise money for wounded veterans and traveling with the Wreaths Across America convoy to place wreaths on veterans’ graves.

LePage said first ladies traditionally support a cause, and when she became first lady she chose helping veterans because she wanted to support something she really believed in.

 “I wanted to be able to walk the walk, not just talk the talk,” she said.

She feels fortunate to live Maine, LePage said, because it is a very patriotic state with many people and groups supporting veterans.

Every veteran has paid a price so that those who live in this country can enjoy freedom and liberties most of us take for granted, she said.

“You know, it’s been said, that a veteran is someone who at one point in his or her life wrote a blank check payable to the United States of America for an amount up to and including their life,” said LePage.

She said during her time as first lady, she has had the honor of meeting thousands of veterans and their families.

She’s heard stories filled with pride for serving our country, LePage said, but she’s also heard the sad stories about losing something they can’t get back after fighting for their country, such as a relationship, health or youth.

She said it breaks her heart to hear the stories of struggles some veterans face including struggling to make ends meet, struggling to adjust back into their communities, struggling to find a job and struggling with feelings of hopelessness.

 “These challenges are real, and they can last years, even a lifetime, and that’s so very sad,” said LePage.

Our veterans love our country and our state, and they don’t ask for much, and sometimes, they don’t every ask for anything, said LePage. She said we shouldn’t underestimate the importance of honoring the heroes and thanking the families who support them.

— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 325 or [email protected].