Putting one’s life on the line is all in the line of duty. From being a nurse to a general, all those who serve take on that responsibility. They defend our liberties. And some answer the special call to rehabilitate our service personal back to health. On the eve of Veterans Day, several local, state and military leaders honored Major Eva Marie Price, the state’s oldest living Army nurse, now retired. She’s 100 year’s old.

“I know you don’t want this, but you certainly deserve the attention,” said Governor John Baldacci during a ceremony in Bangor honoring Price.

“It can never be said enough that we owe a tremendous debt to our veterans,” added U.S. Rep. Michael Michaud.

Price was given coins special to the different branches of the military, medals, certificates and praise from military dignitaries and state officials.

Price, born in Brewer in 1909, enlisted in the U.S. Army before World War II. Like many women of her generation, she served as a nurse because that was her only option. She was a pioneer, whose service helped pave the way for generations of women.

“You’ve inspired so many women to take up the profession, we owe you a debt of gratitude,” said Mrs. Michaud, VFW Women’s commander.

Price, who now lives in a Bangor nursing home and is confined to a wheelchair. She simply couldn’t understand why she would merit a ceremony honoring her.

“I didn’t do too much,” insisted Price. But the record says otherwise.

Price nursed wounded soldiers in the Philippines and then Japan after the bombings of Hiroshima. It’s hard to imagine what she experienced.

“Being in Japan a month after the nuclear bomb was dropped, treating people without concern for herself, but concern for others, is commendable,” said the governor. “Her modesty, and her selfless dedication are still very evident, as she doesn’t really want any of this attention.”

After the war ended, Price served in Germany and Korea. In the last five years of her 20-year Army career, she worked at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C.

Price moved back to Maine after retirement and has been active in veterans’ groups ever since.