BIDDEFORD — It was a day to remember those who served and fought for our country.

On Monday morning, Veterans Day events began in the twin cities with an opening ceremony in Saco’s Eastman Park, followed by a parade that included local and state dignitaries, scout troops, marching bands and members of local veterans groups, which culminated at Memorial Park in Biddeford, where a closing ceremony was held. Following the service was an open house at the AMVETS Post No. 1.

Activities were held on Nov. 12, although Veterans Day is Nov. 11, and signifies the end of World War I, which occurred on Nov. 11, 1918 at 11 a.m. with the signing of the Armistice.

In 1919, Nov. 11 was named Armistice Day to honor veterans in World War I. In 1954, Nov. 11 became known as Veterans Day, to honor those who had served in all wars, said Jim Harper, commander of American Legion Owen-Davis Post 96 and master of ceremonies, addressing those at the closing ceremony at Memorial Park.

The pride of military service is a bond shared by all those who served, said Harper. Fewer than 10 percent of Americans can call themselves a veteran, he said. There are 23 million living veterans who have served our country, he said.

Harper quoted George Washington, saying, “The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional as to how they perceive the veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by their nation.”

Harper urged people to remember those who served our country whether they are out on the battlefield or here at home ”“ the bus driver, an old man walking down the street, a woman in a grocery store, or a homeless person.

“We must ask ourselves as a nation, are we serving our veterans even half as well as they have served us? Through their blood, sacrifice and service, veterans have given us freedom, security and the greatest nation on earth,” he said. “It’s impossible to put a price on that. Our debt to these heroes can never be repaid, but our gratitude and respect must last forever.” 

Alex Wajer from U.S. Sen. Susan Collins office, read a statement on behalf of Collins. She said those who have served our country as well as those who are currently serving “have earned our deepest thanks, not just on Veterans Day, but for all the days to come.”

Biddeford Mayor Alan Casavant said as a former history teacher, who taught students about World War I and other wars and saw former students go into service, he developed a great appreciation of the military, and he considered it to be foundational to what we are as a nation, as it instills character and pride, “and is ongoing and consistent in terms of its value.”

Casavant said he didn’t serve, but had an uncle whom he never got the chance to meet because he died in the South Pacific in World War II at the age of 20, and Casavant said tries to understand what that meant to his grandmother and mother when they heard the news. Everyone is touched by someone who has served, and he thinks of the parents of those who are serving who are worrying about their children on a daily basis, and those whose family members have made the ultimate sacrifice.

“From the bottom of my heart, on behalf of the City of Biddeford, on behalf of the city council, I want to thank all veterans for what they’ve done throughout the world and for our country,” he said.

— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 282-1535, Ext. 325 or egotthelf@journaltribune.com.