Bangor recalls its vets, their `precious sacrifice’ > Parade watchers treated to wide array of musical treats

BANGOR — Seventy-eight years ago on the 11th of November, bells rang and horns tooted throughout the Queen City.

“HOHENZOLLERNS DEPOSED. ALL GERMANS IN REVOLT,” read the headline on the first edition of the Bangor Daily News. Two editions later, it read, “WORLD WAR IS ENDED.”

Youngsters dismissed from schools such as the one on Pond Street — now an apartment house — walked down to Main Street to watch the parade. It was Armistice Day.

Few people even know who the Hohenzollerns were — the dynasty that ruled Brandenburg-Prussia 1415 to 1918, and imperial Germany from 1871 to 1918.

The date is now called Veterans Day in honor of all veterans who served in the country’s wars, but one thing that remains a part of the annual celebration is the parade.

Lining Main Street to await the parade’s arrival from Brewer Monday morning were spectators of all ages — from those who recalled several wars and many parades to babies in buntings getting a first-ever glimpse of bands and military vehicles and chanting Cub Scouts. A young Dalmation wagged its tail in delight at the commotion.

Some spectators at the intersection of Hammond, Main and State streets began to squeeze onto the street to better see the units proceeding toward them. Bangor police Sgt. Jim Owens urged them, from time to time, to stand back to clear the way for vehicles and bands making their wide turns around the corner.

Councilors and other officials waited on the viewing stand at West Market Square as the parade was led by marshal Brig. Gen. George Christakos of the 101st Refueling Wing of the Maine Air National Guard. Christakos was joined by honorary marshal U.S. Rep. John Baldacci. The U.S. Army Band played “When the Caissons Go Rolling Along,” and Army Guard helicopters flew overhead.

Flags were borne by a color guard from the 101st Refueling Wing, many of whose members performed the same duties Monday for ceremonies at the Cole Land Transportation Museum.

The Rev. Robert Carlson reminded participants and watchers that the United States was “a free land created by peoples from faraway places,” and that all should remember “those who had given the most precious of all sacrifices.”

Current and past veterans from several wars, most of them members of American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars posts, and their auxiliaries marched or rode down Main Street. Also marching to display their respect and appreciation were participants from organizations including ROTC and Junior ROTC, the Civil Air Patrol, Civil War re-enactors, Cub Scouts, and local fire departments and law enforcement agencies.

Even the Cub Scouts paused to salute the reviewing stand on their way by.

Music throughout the parade revved up the watchers, who jiggled their feet in response and who, during the “Maine Stein Song,” tore off mittens and gloves to clap rhythmically.

The light-blue-and-white-clad University of Maine band members were worth watching even as they rounded the corner onto State Street, finishing up their tune with some fancy footwork.

Younger bands showed their stuff, too, as Orrington’s Central Drive School Raiders performed “America the Beautiful.”

Hermon High musicians wore blue and gold, Old Town sported deep green uniforms, and both Bangor and Nokomis marched in maroon.

Old Town played “Caissons,” “Anchors Away” and a third song that showed how a single xylophone can hold its own with numerous drums, while Nokomis wrapped up the parade with “This Is My Country.”

The Maine Air National Guard brought what seemed to be one of every kind of vehicle they might have at their Bangor base — except, of course, for the KC-135 tanker planes, which no doubt would have been a little wide for Main Street.

Trucks and other equipment of various types were joined by one piece that seemed made-to-order for the parade — a huge, light-green snowplow with a plow blade that swiveled like a drum major’s baton.

Participating in what was their second event of the day were orange-jacketed volunteers from Cole Land Transportation Museum.

Earlier they had joined veterans for indoor services at the museum led by U.S. Army Guard Chaplain Andrew Gibson.

Chaplaincy was nothing new to military services, Gibson pointed out, saying that George Washington had instituted chaplains in one of his first acts after the creation of the Continental Army in 1775.

Five chaplains have been awarded the Medal of Honor, he added, three during the Civil War and two during Vietnam. The chaplaincy also has earned more battle streamers than any other service.

Washington wanted to assure that there would always be a spiritual presence in military efforts, Gibson said, and the chaplaincy has also provided a conscience to those efforts.

A tribute to the Statue of Liberty and religious parallels was offered by the Ecclesia Trio, and the Essex Street Baptist Choir performed patriotic hymns including “Battle Hymn of the Republic.”

Nearly as familiar to most people was “Eternal Father, God to Save,” also known as the “Navy Hymn,” the piece that was played continually during the funeral procession of the late President John F. Kennedy. The hymn also has verses dedicated to the other branches of the military.

Later on Monday, the museum planned to conclude its year with a patriotic concert by the Bangor Band and the lowering of the colors by the University of Maine ROTC.