BANGOR, Maine — Intermingled with the crowd of onlookers at the annual Bangor-Brewer Veterans Day parade, were a group of veterans who chose not to walk in the parade in exchange for supporting their brothers-in-arms from the sidelines.
“I like being on the sidewalk to be able to show my appreciation — especially to the veterans in the buses,” said Hampden Air Force veteran Brian Smith, who served in uniform between 1972 and 1976. “I want to make sure they’re appreciated.”
“I appreciate their sacrifice,” said Levant Army veteran Rick Dorsky, who served between 1966 and 1969.
Army Guardsman Dan Landers, who has 27 years in uniform under his belt, including two overseas tours to Iraq and Afghanistan, so far, stood at the corner of State and Main streets holding his walking stick and Pigeon, a Shih Tzu Pomeranian.
“I enjoy watching the people in the parade,” said Landers, a fire inspector for the Bangor Fire Department. “You can’t see it if you’re in it.”
Bangor Vietnam veteran Sheldon Hathorn, who is originally from Vermont, said he was there to support others in his family who followed in his footsteps.
“My youngest grandson is in the parade,” he said of Devin Hathorn, who is a member of the Maine National Guard.
Hampden Vietnam veteran Kendall Campbell of Hampden, who served two years in uniform, said he used to walk in the parade years ago. He said he wants to support all who served.
“I’m here for the guys that lost their lives and for what the veterans went through,” Campbell said. “Nobody knows, but the veterans know.”
Corinna Army veteran Paul Pepin, who served between 1965 and 1967, came to the parade with very good friends and relatives.
“I’m supporting my fellow veterans,” Pepin said. “It’s a very gratifying thing to do this.”
While he stood in front of the Penobscot Theatre, waiting for the parade to start, a 5-year-old boy gave him a page he colored.
“It says, ‘Thank you’ and ‘I love you,’” said Pepin’s friend Idris Lee. “It’s very nice. That is what this is all about.”
Old Town Air Force veteran Bill McCarthy followed his father into the military and spent four decades in uniform, retiring in 2006.
“I’m here to support the World War II veterans and the Korean War veterans because when I walk, I can’t support them,” McCarthy said.
Maine troop greeter Norman Rossignol, 90, was at the front of the World War II veterans, and a guy on the side of the parade, who was wearing a Navy veterans hat, yelled and cheered as he walked by.
“I’m here watching my 90-year-old uncle — right there,” the Navy veteran said pointing at Rossignol, who he called Uncle “Nori.”
The parade featured the veterans split up by war or active service, a flyby by two fighter jets, musical performances, including taps played by Hal Wheeler, a 21-gun salute, firetrucks and several local Jr. ROTC groups, including the Hermon Hawks Battalion, which carried “Banners of Heroes.”
One 5-year-old Carmel resident got dressed for the parade in a U.S. Marine’s outfit saved from Halloween.
“I really like the Marines,” the youngster said as he waved a small, hand-held U.S. flag.