The Cole Land Transportation Museum in Bangor, Maine, became a poignant venue for remembrance as it hosted The Summit Project Honor Display from May 1st to May 23rd, 2015. This event brought together history, education, and heartfelt tribute, offering visitors a powerful experience centered around honoring Maine’s fallen service members.
For those unable to undertake the challenging climb of Mount Katahdin, typically associated with The Summit Project, the Cole Transportation Museum provided an accessible and equally meaningful way to participate. On May 1st, eighth-grade students from Helen S. Dunn School in Greenbush played a significant role, escorting engraved stones commemorating 13 of Maine’s heroes. This ceremony marked the commencement of a three-week display of these stones at the museum, located at 405 Perry Road.
These 13 individuals, soldiers, sailors, and Marines, hailed from various Maine communities, including Atkinson, Bangor, Belgrade, Frankfort, Greenville, Newport, Orono, Palmyra, Richmond, and Waterville. Their names and sacrifice became the focal point of this solemn exhibition at the Cole Transportation Museum Bangor Me.
The involvement of the Dunn School students was part of their annual visit to the museum, a visit that blends historical exploration with personal connection. Beyond touring the museum’s extensive collection of over 200 vehicles, the students participated in the Veterans Interview Program. This program allows them to engage in intimate conversations with veterans from World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the Global War on Terror. The powerful message conveyed by these veterans, “Freedom Is Not Free,” was deeply reinforced by the students’ participation in The Summit Project program that morning. The 9 a.m. program was open to the public, allowing the wider Bangor community to join in this act of remembrance at the Cole Transportation Museum Bangor ME.
The stones selected for display at the Cole Museum served as individual memorials to men who gave their lives in service to the nation following the attacks of September 11, 2001. These heroes are:
- Sgt. Kevin B. Balduf, 27, U.S. Marine Corps, Richmond, May 15, 2011.
- Capt. John R. “Jay” Brainard III, 26, U.S. Army, Newport and Atkinson, May 28, 2012.
- Lt. Cmdr. Robert E. Clukey, 33, U.S. Navy, Orono, Nov. 3, 2002.
- Staff Sgt. Dale J. Kelly Jr., 48, U.S. Army, Richmond, May 6, 2006.
- Maj. Samuel C. Leigh, 35, U.S. Marine Corps, Belgrade, June 30, 2009.
- Master Sgt. Ryan C.C. Love, U.S. Marine Corps, Frankfort, July 19, 2012.
- Sgt. Brett E. Pelotte, 35, U.S. Army, Waterville, Aug. 19, 2003.
- Staff Sgt. Brandon M. Silk, 25, U.S. Army, Orono, June 21, 2010.
- Spc. Wade A. Slack, 21, U.S. Army, Waterville, May 6, 2012.
- Pvt. Dustin R.F. Small, 19, U.S. Army, Palmyra, June 30, 2009.
- Lt. Jerry R. Smith, 26, U.S. Navy, Greenville, Aug. 15, 2007.
- Staff Sgt. David M. Veverka, 25, U.S. Army, University of Maine, Orono, June 21, 2010.
- Spc. Christopher M. Wilson, 24, U.S. Army, Bangor, March 29, 2007.
The Summit Project, established in 2013 by Maj. David Cote, a Bangor High School alumnus and Marine veteran, embodies a powerful vision of remembrance. Maj. Cote, who served in Iraq and is stationed at the Pentagon, conceived the project after participating in a hike up Mount Whitney in California. Inspired by Navy Seals who carried stones honoring their fallen comrades, leaving them on the mountain, Cote envisioned a “living memorial” in Maine. He proposed that stones memorializing Maine’s post-9/11 fallen be used in treks up Katahdin and displayed publicly, ensuring their stories and sacrifices remain visible and honored.
Previously, the Veterans Administration Medical Center at Togus hosted a Summit Project display, commencing on Veterans Day. Currently, sixty stones are maintained in Portland, available for displays and memorial treks throughout the year. Maj. Cote emphasized the profound connection between Maine and military service, stating, “Nearly one in seven Maine adults is a Maine veteran… Maine’s patriotism and commitment to service in our Armed Forces is nothing short of extraordinary. We must match, with equal devotion, our commitment to them.” He further articulated the project’s mission: “I hope this memorial can help tell the stories of a generation of brave Maine veterans who did not return home, but whose service and sacrifice must never be forgotten.” The display at Cole Transportation Museum Bangor ME served as a vital step in fulfilling this mission.
Jim Neville, Director of Operations at the Cole Museum and a 20-year Marine Corps veteran, highlighted the significance of hosting The Summit Project stones during the museum’s 25th anniversary season. He noted the educational imperative, especially for younger generations who have grown up during a time of ongoing conflict. “Although it’s hard to believe, the children that come to our museum have lived their entire life up to this point with their nation at war. Unfortunately, a majority of the children and perhaps some adults do not understand the sacrifice that service members and their families make. The summit stones poignantly yet simply illustrate that sacrifice.” For Neville and the Cole Transportation Museum Bangor ME, the display was more than just an exhibit; it was a crucial educational experience.
Museum founder Galen Cole underscored the educational opportunity presented by The Summit Project display, aligning it with the museum’s existing memorials. The Maine World War II Memorial and Vietnam Memorial on the museum grounds, along with a memorial wall inside dedicated to 975 of Cole’s WWII comrades, all serve to educate young people about the cost of freedom. Hosting The Summit Project at Cole Transportation Museum Bangor ME further cemented this commitment to remembrance and education.
Following the display’s conclusion at the Cole Museum on May 23rd, the stones were integrated into a Summit Project memorial hike up Mount Katahdin. Jonathan Kelley of Presque Isle undertook the poignant task of carrying stones in memory of Army Sgt. Joel House and Marine Sgt. James Zimmerman, continuing the stones’ journey of remembrance and honor.
In closing the period of custody on May 22, 2015, Cole Land Transportation Museum Director Jim Neville reflected on the profound impact of The Summit Project display. He shared, “We had the pleasure of having the Summit Project Stones on display in our museum from our opening May 1st to May 23rd. A short time for certain but a long enough time to make a lasting impact in over 1200 Maine school children and over 3000 visitors to the museum.”
Summit Project Stones Displayed at Cole Transportation Museum
Neville’s personal connection as a Marine veteran with tours in Iraq added a deeply resonant layer to the exhibit’s meaning. He spoke of the fear of being forgotten and the solemn duty of informing families of fallen soldiers. For him, “The Summit Project is that more,” offering tangible and intangible comfort, ensuring that Maine heroes are remembered and their stories continue to be told. The Cole Transportation Museum Bangor ME, through hosting The Summit Project, played a vital role in this ongoing act of remembrance and education, reinforcing its commitment to honoring service and sacrifice.
Military Exhibit at Cole Transportation Museum
