Patriotism lived on Veterans Day. I saw it in the eyes of our great servicemen and women who lined the streets of Bangor and Brewer and walked or rode in the parade. Tears of thanks and sadness abounded.

Two years ago I was critical of the lack of coverage of the area Veterans Day events by the BDN. Boy, did you make up for that this year!

The day started with a well-run and well-sponsored veterans pancake breakfast at the Brewer Auditorium paid for by the Galen Cole Foundation and run by and paid for by the Bangor Rotary Breakfast Club.

The parade that followed was a huge success and our newest veterans, the Global War on Terror Veterans, were invited and joined the parade. I met veterans of other wars who had never walked in the Bangor- Brewer parades. Veterans of all services walked for their beloved brothers and families and for those who could not be present.

Those extending their day at the Cole Museum heard area school girls and boys read their winning, original and heartwarming stories they had written after interviewing Cole Museum veterans. The Bangor City Orchestra followed with patriotic music that warmed all our hearts.

This marvelous day for the veterans ended with the unveiling of a new Korean War memorial at the Cole Museum by General Libby, monument compliments of the Cole Foundation.

Few other towns and cities show such respect for their veterans. Thanks to businesses, organizations, regular concerned citizens and a special thanks to Galen Cole and his Foundation

Charlie Knowlen

Eddington