Reliving the Vietnam War - A series of events in Biddeford

Biddeford native Don Chretien lived through the Vietnam War as a Marine helicopter pilot who flew 560 combat missions, came home to an indifferent or even hostile reception, and has lived to see a much more appreciative public now open to revisiting that collective experience.

He will mark the 50th Anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War by leading three events; each will focus on a different aspect of the war: how and why and when did it start? what was it like to serve there? and how and when did it end?

These events have been organized by a committee formed by members of the congregation of Union Church in Biddeford Pool, where Chretien is a member and Trustee.

Copies of Chretien’s book, “Hovering in Harm’s Way—A Marine Corps Pilot’s Journey” to Vietnam and Back, will be available for purchase at all three events for a suggested price of $20, with all income from sales donated to Homes For Our Troops, a national nonprofit.

•Union Church in Biddeford Pool, 3 Stonecliff Road, 10 a.m., March 30 (during Sunday morning church service)

Don’s talk, “A Marine Corps Pilot’s Perspective Amidst the Vietnam War,” will draw on his experiences to narrate how it was to serve there, followed by Q&A. David McLean, a bagpiper from Portland’s Claddagh Mhor Pipe Band, will play the traditional Amazing Grace and Going Home to honor the fallen. This date was chosen to be close to the date of the official withdrawal of American combat troops in Vietnam on March 29, 1973. Free of charge to attend; no RSVP required.

•Location: Biddeford Pool Community Center, 2 Yates Street, 1 p.m., April 30

Don’s talk, “A Narration and Discussion of the Fall of Saigon in 1975” will be illustrated by archival footage of the evacuation of Saigon shown by retired USMC Lieutenant Colonel John Comeau. Jennifer Comeau will open the program leading the attendees in the singing of The Star-Spangled Banner and it will end with the playing of Taps on video from the Arlington National Cemetery by the Marine Corps Band. A photo exhibit will include homage to the Nurses who served in Vietnam. This date was chosen to mark the actual month and day of the official end of the Vietnam War in 1975. 

Free of charge to attend but go to biddefordpoolcomunitycenter.org to RSVP, due to limited space. Free parking is available.

•McArthur Library, 270 Main St. Biddeford, 1 p.m., May 2

The event will begin on the library lawn with the Presentation of the Colors to honor the troops by members of the Massabesic High School Band led by retired Navy Captain Douglas Howell and Chief Joseph Lipp; members of the award-winning Biddeford High School Band led by Michael Murphy will accompany the Massabesic Color Guard. Both will be introduced by Biddeford’s Mayor Martin Grohman, with no other speeches and no seating, and the event will be moved indoors if there is inclement weather. Massabesic HS has the only NJROTC unit in Maine (Navy Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corp, a federal program aimed at developing leadership, citizenship, and character in young people).

The ceremony will be followed immediately by Don’s presentation in the Community Room, titled “A Vietnam History of Occupation, Warfare, & US Involvement.” Attendees may bring memorabilia and will be invited to share a brief remembrance to honor those they know who served. The event will conclude with the playing of Taps by a member of the Biddeford High School Band. Free to attend but email reference@mcarthurlibrary.org to RSVP due to limited space. Details on free and discounted parking options will be given following event registration.