SACO — The communities of Biddeford and Saco joined together Saturday morning to commemorate Veterans Day with a joint parade and ceremony.

Veterans Day is a federal holiday observed on Nov. 11 to honor military veterans.

The parade began in Biddeford at the corner of Pool and Alfred streets, and traveled down Main Street, Biddeford to Main Street Saco, turning right at Beach Street and ending with a closing ceremony at C.K. Burns.

 

A fire truck travels down Main Street in Biddeford at Saturday's parade. PHOTO BY RAOUL GOULET

“This Veterans Day we’re mandated to put aside our politics and personal agendas, that we might honor those who have served our nation with honor, courage and sacrifice -our veterans,” said Retired Episcopal Priest Shirley Bowen of Biddeford.

Veterans deserve our deepest respect and gratitude,” she said.

“They served in fox holes, jungles, deserts and aboard ships – all of them potential graveyards,” she said. “They fought courageously and valiantly. They were pushed beyond human endurance – many wounded, disfigured and grieving their fallen comrades.”

Those who have served left their families and friends, and put their lives on hold, not for recognition or fame, but to protect our country, said Guest Speaker Paul Gagne.

“We honor them for their unselfish deeds and sacrifices,” he said.

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