Photo gallery: Legion pays tribute to veterans at Harpswell ceremony
From left, Legionnaires John Hill, Bill O’Connell, Tom Guerra, and Chuck Kapela sing the national anthem during a Veterans Day ceremony in Harpswell. (Bisi Cameron Yee photo)
Members of Harpswell’s John Leo Murray Jr. American Legion Post 171 pay tribute to all who served honorably in the U.S. military during a Veterans Day ceremony at Harpswell Center on Nov. 11. While Veterans Day honors all who served, it “is largely intended to thank living veterans for their service … and to underscore the fact that all who served — not only those who died — have sacrificed and done their duty,” according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (Bisi Cameron Yee photo)
Bill and Sue Sabrowski observe a Veterans Day ceremony from their car in Harpswell Center. Bill Sabrowski is a member of Harpswell’s American Legion post and served in the U.S. Air Force from 1962-1966. (Bisi Cameron Yee photo)
Amy Ferrell represents women in the military during a Veterans Day ceremony in Harpswell. “I love my country,” said Ferrell, who served in the Air Force from 1984-1992 and volunteers as a member of the American Legion color guard. (Bisi Cameron Yee photo)
Robert Webber, past commander of American Legion Post 171, speaks during a Veterans Day ceremony in Harpswell. Webber served in the Air Force from 1960-1966 before adding two years in the reserves. (Bisi Cameron Yee photo)
Bill O’Connell reads from material provided by the American Legion during a Veterans Day ceremony in Harpswell. O’Connell was a B-52 pilot during his 1965-1972 service with the U.S. Air Force. (Bisi Cameron Yee photo)
Michael Fahey is one of seven people to attend a Veterans Day ceremony at Harpswell Center. Fahey came across the ceremony as he was driving and felt compelled to stop. “I’m a vet, so it means so much to me,” he said, comparing the sparse attendance to past ceremonies when “everyone came out.” He hopes to see better attendance next year. (Bisi Cameron Yee photo)
A tablet at Harpswell Center honors the military service of Harpswell Neck residents during World War II. Harpswell Center is a traditional location for local Veterans Day and Memorial Day ceremonies. (Bisi Cameron Yee photo)
Diane O’Connell, right, and son Billy O’Connell, left, a U.S. Army colonel on leave from active duty in Germany, observe as Robert Webber, of American Legion Post 171, speaks during a Veterans Day ceremony in Harpswell. (Bisi Cameron Yee photo)
U.S. Army Col. Billy O’Connell and Marguerite Emerson observe a moment of silence during a Veterans Day ceremony at Harpswell Center. “It’s nice to just remember,” said Harrington, who has had family members and friends in the military. (Bisi Cameron Yee photo)
Chuck Kapela plays taps as members of the American Legion Post 171 color guard stand by after firing a salute during a Veterans Day ceremony in Harpswell. The 24 bugle notes that make up the call for “lights out” are often played to mark the close of military ceremonies, funerals, and services. (Bisi Cameron Yee photo)
Members of the American Legion Post 171 color guard fire a salute during a Veterans Day ceremony in Harpswell. (Bisi Cameron Yee photo)
Robert Webber, past commander of American Legion Post 171, displays a World War II-era M1 Garand rifle before a Veterans Day ceremony in Harpswell as Tom Guerra looks on. Legionnaires used the antique rifles to fire a ceremonial salute. (Bisi Cameron Yee photo)
American Legion member Chuck Kapela holds a bugle as he prepares to play taps at a Veterans Day ceremony in Harpswell on Nov. 11. Kapela said he and his fellow Legionnaires are concerned about a lack of younger veterans in organizations like theirs. He thinks increased demands on their time may be a roadblock to participation. (Bisi Cameron Yee photo)
From left, Chuck Kapela, Bill O’Connell, and Robert Webber share a moment of camaraderie before a Veterans Day ceremony in Harpswell. All three belong to Harpswell’s American Legion post. The Legion is the country’s largest veterans advocacy organization. (Bisi Cameron Yee photo)
From left, Chuck Kapela plays taps as Robert Webber salutes the American flag and Col. Billy O’Connell observes during a Veterans Day ceremony in Harpswell. (Bisi Cameron Yee photo)
Robert Webber, past commander of American Legion Post 171, prepares to lead a Veterans Day ceremony in Harpswell. (Bisi Cameron Yee photo)