Driving down Main Street on Monday, I couldn’t hold back the smile that broke through as I watched the young and the old staking claim for their spot to view the Veteran’s Day Parade. The unusually warm November morning set the perfect stage for parade viewing and marching as well. I had the overwhelming urge to roll down my window and to shout out….”what a day for a parade”. Of course I restrained myself and quietly enjoyed the view. I felt proud to live in a city that recognizes the sacrifices that veteran’s past and present have made and continue to make to keep this country a safe place to live.
The military lifestyle is not unusual to many families that live in our area, it is part of our history. Dow Air Force base was part of the “heyday” of Bangor bringing at times 10,000 additional people to our fair city. Although that base is gone now we still have a large military presence. We have the 101st Refueling Wing of the Air Force National Guard and the Army National Guard, both deploying soldiers and services to the current war efforts in Afghanistan and Iraq.
The young and the old donned their red, white and blue and on a beautiful Monday morning on Main Street in America, we all thanked the soldiers and their families for their service, and enjoyed the safety that they have provided us.
Thank you Veterans.
