Key Highlights
- Don Gallupe, 101 years old, participated in the Bangor-Brewer Veterans Day Parade as the last surviving WWII veteran.
- The parade saw participation from various military branches and community organizations.
- There are roughly 45,000 WWII veterans still alive across the United States.
- Gerald Bartlette, a 90-year-old Navy veteran, participated in his first Veterans Day Parade.
The Last Surviving World War II Veteran Honors His Service
At age 101, Don Gallupe is the last surviving WWII veteran to march in Bangor’s Veterans Day Parade. The tradition has spanned decades since the parade’s inception, with Gallupe participating annually until this year. A gunner for the Army Air Corps, which later became the U.S. Air Force, Gallupe reflects on his experience with pride.
“It was a great honor,” Gallupe said, emphasizing the significance of his continued involvement in honoring veterans. “Getting together with veterans from wars across decades and seeing friends is one of my favorite parts of the parade.”
A Parade to Remember: A Multigenerational Event
The Bangor-Brewer Veterans Day Parade on Tuesday morning attracted thousands, including kids waving American flags and holding signs thanking veterans for their service. While Gallupe was the lone WWII veteran this year, his participation highlighted the enduring legacy of those who served in World War II.
“While I was the last surviving WWII vet in the parade,” Gallupe noted, “it was still good to see other people.” This sentiment underscores the collective spirit and shared history that the parade represents.
Military Representation and Community Involvement
The parade showcased a diverse array of military branches, with U.S. Marine Corps veterans also participating. Junior ROTC programs from Bangor High School, Brewer, Hermon, and Nokomis marched in support, reflecting the continued education and training in civic duty among youth.
Community organizations like the Cole Land Transportation Museum contributed by ringing the Freedom Bell, a tradition that has honored veterans in Bangor’s Veterans Day, Memorial Day, and Independence Day parades for 27 years. This continuous tradition symbolizes the enduring commitment to remembering those who have served.
A Shifting Landscape: The Last WWII Veterans
While Gallupe was the lone participant from World War II this year, his participation ensures that the memories and sacrifices of that era are not forgotten. According to the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, there are approximately 45,000 WWII veterans still alive across the United States, a small fraction of the nearly 16 million who served.
Events like this parade play a crucial role in preserving history and honoring those whose service defined an era. As the last surviving veterans age, their participation serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made during World War II and the ongoing importance of remembering those who have served.
Awarding the Last Chapter
The parade also saw its first-time participants, such as Gerald Bartlette, an 90-year-old Navy veteran. Participating in his first Veterans Day Parade, Bartlette had spent 20 years on aircraft carriers and battleships before retiring in 1972. Wearing a never-worn dress uniform from 30 years ago, he reflected on the significance of this new chapter.
Bartlette’s participation, alongside Gallupe’s continued involvement, underscores the ongoing commitment to honoring veterans across all generations. As we continue to remember those who served in World War II and other conflicts, events like these parades provide a tangible way to honor their service and keep their legacy alive.
