Bangor parade, events honor 60th anniversary of WWII end

BANGOR – Nearly 150 World War II veterans proudly walked downtown Friday as onlookers applauded and waved flags, marking the 60th anniversary of the end of the war.

One veteran drove his mechanical wheelchair, and another 50 or so rode in buses, but all were grand marshals for the parade that honored their military service.

At the front of the group were couples who both had served in the war, including Navy veterans Barbara and Frank Jewell of Hampden.

“I think it’s great we have the opportunity to take part in the memorial,” Frank Jewell, a career Navy man who served with the Pacific fleet during World War II, said. “We certainly have to thank Galen Cole. He’s done a terrific job.”

The Jewells and most of the other veterans in the parade held walking sticks given out to 1,200 Maine veterans in 1997 from the Cole Land Transportation Museum and Peavey Manufacturing Co. in Eddington.

Bells from several churches and at city hall could be heard ringing in celebration as the veterans made their way from the Bangor House through the heart of the city to State Street and then to Exchange Street.

Haunting chimes could be heard from the Cole museum’s Freedom Bell, a World War II church bell tailored behind a World War II Jeep that was rung throughout the parade.

Few spectators were on hand, but those who did watch the procession carried signs of thanks, and many held American flags donated by Michael and Victoria Cobosco, former Bangor residents.

One spectator was Pete Johnson, commander of American Legion Post No. 94 in Greenville, who brought three World War II vets to Bangor for the daylong event.

“It was really impressive to see [all the] World War II vets,” he said. “They’re really doing a good job of treating them right.”

Several area restaurants fed the veterans for free, which was greatly appreciated by the veterans.

“They were very good to us,” said Barbara Jewell, who served in the naval post office in San Francisco during the war.

The Maine State Honor Guard, part of the Air National Guard 101st Refueling Wing, carried the flag and took the lead during the parade.

The 195th Army Band, led by Warrant Officer Brady Harris, followed playing patriotic music for the enjoyment of spectators and veterans alike.

Sgt. Jeff Patterson of the color guard said honoring “The Greatest Generation” is so important especially nowadays because of their ages. Most World War II veterans are in their 80s or older.

“We’re losing 1,200 a day,” Patterson said.

One spectator said he heard the parade from his second-floor downtown business and decided to grab his wife and child and head down to the street.

“It’s important to support the people who basically supplied our freedom,” Bangor resident Mick Delargy said, while watching the parade with wife, Terry.

Delargy’s son, Ty, 4, sat on his daddy’s shoulders and eagerly waved at the veterans, who waved back.

After the parade, the veterans were bused back to the museum for ice cream, live performances and to hear U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, the keynote speaker, and Cole.

Throughout the day, the Air National Guard conducted flyovers with a KC-135 tanker and helicopters in honor of the anniversary.

On Sept. 2, 1945, the Japanese signed a surrender agreement that officially ended the war.