BIDDEFORD — Veterans Day, on Nov. 11, commemorates the end of World War I, but it is a day set aside to honor veterans of all wars.
In the twin cities, a parade began on Main Street in Saco and ended at Veterans Memorial Park in Biddeford, making a few stops along the way for brief wreath-laying ceremonies.
The observance in Veterans Memorial Park included words of prayer from American Legion Post 26 Chaplain Raynald Hallczuk.
“I, as a veteran, appreciate everyone past, present and future that served for our county and everything that they’ve done to make our country safe,” said Biddeford City Councilor and Master of Ceremonies Bob Mills.
The guest speaker was Bret Grabbe, commanding officer of the USS Alexandria submarine, which is docked at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery for maintenance and repairs. Biddeford is the host community for the sub and its crew.
Grabbe said he and the crew of the “fast-attack” submarine were honored to take part in the ceremony.
“Some of you have served in the past, and you’re teachers, custodians, you work for the post office, city officials. You don’t wear the uniform anymore, but we honor your service today,” he said, adding that it is important to remember those who have not come home and those who remain overseas.
“Some pay the price in an instant, others pay the price in a lifetime of installment payments,” he said. “Be with them, remember them and remember their families,” he said.
After the Veterans Day parade and ceremony ended, veterans, servicemen, and their friends and family gathered at the AMVETS Post 1 hall on Alfred Street in Biddeford.
They shared a meal, and some made new friends.
Veteran and Biddeford resident Guy Gosselin made a new friend in Don Allen, who is a crew member on USS Alexandria.
Like Allen, Gosselin was also a submariner in the Navy. He served in the military from 1978 to 1982.
That’s not where their connection ends.
During their conversation, Gosselin discovered that he and Allen’s father served on the same “boat,” which is how the military refers to a submarine.
Both men served on the USS John C. Calhoun. The crew for that boat consists of about 130 members.
“This is surreal,” said Gosselin, when learning of the connection. “The chances of this happening are pretty much next to none.”
“Let’s put it this way,” said Allen: “There are more millionaires in the world than submariners. Finding out that he and my dad served on the same boat is really rare.”
— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 325 or egotthelf@journaltribune.com. Staff Writer Dina Mendros can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 324 dmendros@journaltribune.com.
Comments are not available on this story. Read more about why we allow commenting on some stories and not on others.
We believe it's important to offer commenting on certain stories as a benefit to our readers. At its best, our comments sections can be a productive platform for readers to engage with our journalism, offer thoughts on coverage and issues, and drive conversation in a respectful, solutions-based way. It's a form of open discourse that can be useful to our community, public officials, journalists and others.
We do not enable comments on everything — exceptions include most crime stories, and coverage involving personal tragedy or sensitive issues that invite personal attacks instead of thoughtful discussion.
You can read more here about our commenting policy and terms of use. More information is also found on our FAQs.
Show less