Hometown Hero recognized at Vassalboro Days

Robert Locklin in Vietnam

On Saturday, Sept. 6, Vassalboro resident and Vietnam Veteran Robert Locklin was honored posthumously as Vassalboro’s first Hometown Hero. He passed away on Sept. 3, 2025. The Town of Vassalboro is proud to recognize current and former residents of Vassalboro who have served or are currently serving our country in a branch of the military with their Hometown Hero Banner Program. This program places banners on power poles through Vassalboro and will be typically displayed from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

This marks the first season for these banners. Mr. Locklin received medals including the Presidential Unit Citation, Valorous Unit Award, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Vietnam Presidential Unit citation, Silver Star, three Purple Hearts and two Combat Air Assault medals.

His Hometown Hero banner was presented to Mr. Locklin last week before his passing by friend and fellow Army veteran Randall Liberty, who currently serves as Commissioner at the state’s Department of Corrections. Mr. Locklin’s banner was unveiled at 8 a.m., during the Vassalboro Days celebration at the Vassalboro Fire Department, on Main Street. Town Manager Aaron Miller presented a narrative of Mr. Locklin’s military service and was joined by Mr. Locklin’s family and friends.