Surrounded by veterans, some of whom were dressed in uniforms dating back to World War II, the American Legion Post 62 marked Veterans Day Friday with a ceremony.
Leaving the warmth of the Legion hall, the veterans emerged into the bright, chilly fall weather to march as an honor guard to the ceremony, held at the Veterans Memorial in Riverbank Park.
At the front of the pack was Ray Reitze of Westbrook, one of the oldest veterans present, carrying a black flag to commemorate prisoners of war and those still missing in action. In honor of the day, Reitze brought out the uniform he wore while serving in World War II.
Robert Guitard of Westbrook also wore part of his World War II uniform, but given the temperature, he went for comfort as well. Guitard wore the long, heavy coat he was issued when he served in Italy in 1945.
As the veterans and spectators stood in a ring around the memorial, American Legion Post Commander Pat Peoples welcomed them, saying the ceremony was intended to honor every veteran both living and dead who served their country.
“We remember the men and women who set aside their civilian pursuits to serve their nation’s cause, defending the freedom of mankind and preserving our American heritage,” Peoples said.
After a prayer from Chaplain Bob Harnois and the singing of the national anthem, Mayor Bruce Chuluda read from a proclamation honoring Veterans Day. “Today we must celebrate those who made the ultimate sacrifice and celebrate the fruits of their victories,” he said.
Peoples concluded the ceremony by reading the poem “Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep” by Mary Elizabeth Frye, honoring those who gave their lives in service of their country.
Following that, the short ceremony was concluded, and the veterans headed back into the Legion hall, eager to shed their coats and reminisce with their fellow veterans while warming up over coffee and donuts.
Robert Guitard pauses with his hand over his heart during the singing of the national anthem at Westbrook’s Veterans Day ceremony at Riverbank Park on Thursday. Guitard wore the jacket he was issued while serving in Italy in 1945 to the ceremony.
Vets 2 Paul Boivin of Gorham listens to cermonies marking Veterans Day in Riverbank Park on Thursday. Boivin served in the Army in Vietnam.
Vets Ray 1 Ray Rietze of Westbrook listens to the national anthem at Westbrook’s Veterans Day ceremony in Riverbank Park Thursday. Rietze, a World War II veteran, carried a flag honoring prisioners of war and those who are still missing in action.
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