Biddeford and Saco honor those who served on Veterans Day

BIDDEFORD — On Veterans Day, we must thank those who have served.  Those of us who haven’t served must also reflect on how we can honor veterans by fulfilling our civic duties.

These were the key messages given by Colonel Jen Fullmer, former executive director and current advisor for nonprofit organization Boots2Roots, as she spoke in a ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park in Biddeford Friday morning, held after the Veterans Day parade that traveled through the downtowns of Saco and Biddeford.

 

Saco City Councilor and U.S. Marine Corps Veteran Nathan Johnston salutes the American flag at Friday's Veterans Day ceremony in Biddeford. Johnston served as Master of Ceremonies. Standing next to him is his son, Nathan Jr.  SBN STAFF/Liz Gotthelf

Veterans Day is a day to honor and thank all of those who served honorably in the United States military, said Fullmer. She asked the audience if, when thanking a military member for their service, they ever thought about what they were thanking them for and why. Fullmer shared why she thanked veterans for their service.

“I’m thanking those who took a bullet for me,” she said. “To those who came home with permanent physical, mental, emotional and spiritual scars of war, I’m thanking them for serving loyally beside me and for having my back.”

Fullmer she’s also thanking veterans for the right to vote, freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and  children being able to attend school. She said she’s also thanking them for their selfless dedication and “putting service above self.”

She said about .7 percent of the population is serving in the military, and the other 99.3 percent of the country needs to do its part.

“So, when we say thank you for your service, let’s take a moment to consider how we can honor that sentiment, put our words into action and do our part,” said Fullmer.

While our country’s veterans fought hard to deter war, support our nation’s security and uphold the principals of freedom and democracy around the world; it is every citizen’s duty to try to preserve freedom and democracy from eroding here at home, she said. This responsibility includes engaging in civic duties such as voting, staying informed, fighting for unbiased media, and community involvement, she said.  

“Shake a veteran’s hand today. Look them in the eye. Give them a heartfelt thank you,” said Fullmer. “I encourage you to take it one step further and think about why you are saying thank you. Take a minute to think about the freedoms that we take for granted every day, and what it would be like if we didn’t have the right to vote, if you didn’t have freedom to speak freely, or if your children didn’t have a right to go to school. Take a moment to think about how you can thank and honor veterans by fulfilling your civic duties, encouraging others to serve and paying it forward.”

Publisher Liz Gotthelf can be reached at newsdesk@sacobaynews.com.