Walking sticks available for veterans

BANGOR – The Maine-made walking sticks were such a hit on Memorial Day, the Cole Land Transportation Museum has ordered more – and they’re available now.

Vietnam, Korean War and World War II veterans in Maine who plan to walk or ride in the Fourth of July Parade from Brewer to Bangor may pick up their walking stick ahead of time, museum founder Galen Cole said Tuesday.

These veterans should bring an ID and come to the museum 9 a.m.-5 p.m. any day of the week at 405 Perry Road, Bangor.

Walking sticks will be distributed as long as supplies last, Cole said.

Some 600 walking sticks were given out to Vietnam vets on Memorial Day, in addition to several sticks to Korean and World War II vets.

“In addition, several hundred veterans have been in since Memorial Day,” Cole said. The distribution of the walking sticks is intended to encourage more veterans to take part in the Fourth of July Parade, which will begin at 11 a.m. on Wilson Street in Brewer and proceed to Bangor.

Veterans will walk in units, while those who need to ride can board one of three buses provided free by First Student. Veterans in and on vehicles will follow the buses.

“If veterans really want to feel good about service to their country,” Cole said, “they should turn out and participate in this parade. From the time they start to the end of the parade, you never hear the hand clapping for veterans cease.”