Respecting our veterans has always been an important part of the County Patriot Young Marines; just this past spring, they participated in the Active Heroes Memory Mile program and walked to raised funds for veterans returning home from war to record high unemployment numbers and a recovering economy.
There are currently eight members of the County Patriot Young Marines, and they feel pretty strongly about supporting our troops, both current and former.
Aroostook Republican reporter Natalie Bazinet met up with the group on Nov. 2 and asked them each “What have you learned from veterans,” and “Why do you think veterans are great.”
Kyle Kilcollins
YM Lance Cpl.
What have you learned from Veterans? When we’ve talked with them, we’ve talked about when they were in the war and how long they served.
Why do you think Veterans are great? I think they’re great because they served our country and fought for us so we could have the freedom that we have right now; I just think that it was generous that they would go into war and risk their lives for our freedom.
Justin Michaud
YM Pvt.
What have you learned from Veterans? How to be organized, iron uniforms, shine boots and how to put on uniforms.
Why do you think Veterans are great? Because they served the U.S. and they’re great teachers.
Glenn Kleinert
YM Pfc.
What have you learned from Veterans? It’s a great honor to serve your country.
Why do you think Veterans are great? Because they almost had to make the ultimate sacrifice, they put their lives on the line for our country — so they deserve our respect.
Emma Rossignol
YM Lance Cpl.
What have you learned from Veterans? Their heroism means a great deal to me because they saved our lives, they even sacrificed their own to give to others.
Why do you think Veterans are great? Some of them gave up their lives, some of them did the best they could and got wounded, and it’s very nice of them.
Devon Frazier
YM Pfc.
What have you learned from Veterans? That it’s a great honor to be one, and I really want to be one someday. They always know what they’re talking about, and if they don’t, they don’t talk. They’re pretty smart people — I really want to be one.
Why do you think Veterans are great? Because they always know what they’re talking about, and they’re just — I can’t explain it. I’ve always wanted to be one. Since I was 5 years old I’ve wanted to go into the military — the Marines.
Brandon Whitmore
YM Pfc.
What have you learned from Veterans? We have learned proper stance in the Young Marines, we’ve learned respect for elders, we’ve learned discipline, keeping our rooms clean, keeping ourselves neat, attending a church of faith and physical exercise.
Why do you think Veterans are great? They’re great because they fought and risked their lives to preserve our freedom and rights; they fought and some of them died, obviously, for it to be able for us to speak how we want, look how we want, dress how we want and do what we want to a certain point.
Christopher Michaud
YM Pvt.
What have you learned from Veterans? I think it’s really important people respect and honor veterans because they have most likely been in a war and fought for their lives, and sometimes sacrificed their lives for America — to keep us free — and I think it’s really great what they’ve done for their country.
Why do you think Veterans are great? I think they’re great because they fought for our country, and because they represent America well and if anybody would be best at defending America, it would be them.
Ethan Edgecomb
YM Pvt.
What have you learned from Veterans? I have learned that it’s very important if you are in the marines and you go to war and then you come back alive, it’s really good but if you get hit and die, it’s not — it’s very sad.
Why do you think Veterans are great? I do think they’re great because they might be very interesting if you ever met one. And if you wanted to know about war they could tell you because they were in it and they would know all about it.
