A hardy gathering, many bundled up in hoods, winter jackets and gloves against the November chill, turned out Tuesday in Westbrook to honor the city’s military veterans. Some uniformed Scouts stood undaunted in ranks like soldiers braving the cold without winter coats.
American Legion Posts 62 and 197, aided by city staff, conducted a full-blown ceremony at 11 a.m. on Nov. 11 as flags snapped in the wind at Woodlawn Cemetery. Master of Ceremonies Jeff Peterson, of WGME-TV, said the veterans put their lives on the line for the country.
“We should honor them every single day,” Peterson said.
The annual ceremony included poetry reading, Scouts and Brownies decorating veterans’ graves with flags, a laying of wreaths at a granite memorial, and live music. Westbrook High School senior Gracelyn Gauvin sang the national anthem and played taps.
Westbrook Public Safety provided the color guard.
Dennis Marrotte, immediate past Post 62 commander, read the poem “If These Boots Could Talk” by Jean Meyer and former Mayor Mike Sanphy read “Veterans Day” by Cheryl Dyson.
Guitarist Jim Gallant sang the patriotic music, “America the Beautiful” and “God Bless America.”
Despite the cold, nobody was seen leaving early.
“I appreciate you came out on a day like today,” said Steve Girard, commander of American Legion Memorial Post 197, said.
Phil Spiller, commander of the Stephen W. Manchester Post 62, gave a history of the federal holiday that honors all veterans and encouraged attendees who came. “Let’s renew our gratitude to those who served,” Spiller said.
Mayor David Morse read the Mayor’s Proclamation. Morse said Veterans Day has been a significant part of the country’s heritage.
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