Bangor-brewer Parade Honors local Veterans with Community Show of Gratitude
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Brewer, Maine – A vibrant display of patriotism unfolded Tuesday morning, November 12, 2025, as the annual Bangor-Brewer Veterans Day Parade commenced from the Brewer Shopping Center and culminated in Downtown bangor. Thousands of spectators lined the streets to express their appreciation for the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces.
The parade serves as a crucial annual reminder of the sacrifices made by veterans and their families, fostering a sense of community and national pride. It provides a platform for recognizing service, honoring fallen heroes, and educating younger generations about the importance of freedom and the cost of defending it. The event’s continued success relies on the dedication of local organizations and volunteers who ensure a meaningful experience for all involved.
reflections from Those who Served
veterans participating in the parade shared their experiences and the importance of being recognized for their service. This is the day that we get to honor all veterans. Whether it’s us being honored by others or us doing the same for all of those who have served. Freedom isn’t free and we’ve all devoted some part of our life, whether it was for a couple years or more to protect those freedoms,
stated U.S. Navy Veteran Dan McGovern.
For some, the parade is a deeply personal tribute. Milford resident Zeny Robbins participates annually in remembrance of her husband, Lawrence Robbins, a Navy veteran of over four decades. My husband, I honor him every year. I promised him that I’m going to honor you every year on Veterans Day. I miss him a lot. It’s been 12 years, but we loved each other so much. So, this is my honor to him every year,
Robbins shared, visibly moved.
Gerald Bartlett, a 90-year-old Navy veteran from Newburgh, marked his first participation in the parade, reflecting on his 20 years of service across two wars. He recounted his time aboard multiple vessels, including aircraft carriers, destroyers, and a radar picket ship, specifically mentioning his role in commissioning AGR-13.
A legacy of Service and Community Support
The parade wasn’t just for veterans; it was a family affair, with many spectators bringing children to instill an understanding of the day’s importance. It’s great for the kids to be able to experience this, say thanks, give appreciation to the men and women out there who have given their lives and supported us for many, many years,
remarked local scout leader Matt Adams.
Amelia, a Brewer resident, highlighted the broader impact of veterans’ service, noting, My dad’s a veteran, and now he is a Brewer firefighter. I just love how veterans serve for us because they save us sometiems.
U.S. Navy Veteran John Starbird expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to participate, stating, I want to wish all of the veterans out there a very thankful and thoughtful day. That’s why we’re here. And we’re thankful that we’re here to be able to do this.
Veterans Day Parade: Key Details
| Date | November 12, 2025 |
|---|---|
| Start Location | Brewer Shopping Center |
| End Location | Downtown Bangor |
| Primary Focus | Honoring Veterans |
Did You Know?
Veterans Day originated as Armistice Day
on November 11th, 1918, marking the end of World War I.1
Pro Tip:
Consider donating to organizations that support veterans, such as the Wounded Warrior Project or the veterans of Foreign Wars.
What are your favorite ways to honor veterans in your community? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
do you have a story about a veteran you’d like to share? We’d love to here it!
Veterans Day: A Continuing tradition
Veterans day has evolved from a commemoration of World War I to a celebration of all American veterans.The holiday continues to be a vital opportunity for communities to express gratitude and support for those who have served, ensuring their sacrifices are never forgotten. The annual Bangor-Brewer parade exemplifies this tradition,providing a local platform for remembrance and appreciation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Veterans Day
- What is veterans Day? Veterans Day is a federal holiday celebrated annually on November 11th to honor all military veterans.
- Why is Veterans Day celebrated on November 11th? November 11th marks the anniversary of the armistice that ended World War I in 1918.
- How can I support veterans? You can support veterans by donating to veteran organizations, volunteering your time, or simply expressing your gratitude.
- What is the difference between Veterans Day and Memorial Day? Veterans Day honors all who have served, while memorial Day specifically honors those who died while serving.
- Were can I find more details about Veterans Day events? Check with your local veterans Affairs office or community organizations for information about local events.
1 U.S. Department of veterans Affairs. “Veterans Day.” Accessed November 13, 2025.
