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| Aroostook Republican Photo/Lisa Wilcox Bob Jandreau of Caribou, a Korean War veteran, stands next to the United States flag he proudly displays on his front porch every day as a symbol of his loyalty and gratitude to his country. |
By Lisa Wilcox
Staff Writer
CARIBOU — “Freedom is Not Free” is what the bumper sticker on Harold “Bob” Jandreau’s pickup reads, and he, as well as countless other Americans, knows firsthand that motto to be true.
A Korean War veteran, 79-year-old Jandreau is proud of his service to his country. He has shown his patriotism by engaging in one particular routine twice a day, regardless of the weather or how he happens to be feeling.
Every morning, bright and early, Jandreau faithfully places the American flag on his front porch, and every evening before sundown, just as faithfully, he removes it.
When asked why he has engaged in this daily routine for the past 30 years, Jandreau’s emotions can get the best of him, but he explained that it is his way of showing his loyalty to the country he so proudly served. And he is adamant that the American flag is to be honored and treated with respect.
“It makes me mad to see a flag just left out,” Jandreau says of neglected flags. “If you have a flag, take care of it.”
Before his retirement, Jandreau worked as a truck driver for E.H. Parent of Grand Isle. He and his wife, Norma, have lived in Caribou for approximately 10 years.
Jandreau is a man of few words, but his dedication to a simple routine makes one stark statement: faith and loyalty to the United States reside behind the flag that so prominently waves from this couple’s front porch each and every day.
