Honored veteran to lead parade

Biddeford, ME

Richard Giroux will be the grand marshal for the annual Twin Cities Veterans Council parade, which takes place in Biddeford and Saco on Monday, Nov. 11.

Giroux served in the U.S. Army for 20 years and retired as a staff sergeant.

His goal in enlisting was to become an Army bandsman and have the opportunity to travel to other countries and meet people all over the world. His fondest memories are of the "great musicians that served with me and seeing Europe."

Giroux is the commander of VFW Post 7997 in Old Orchard Beach, a post he's held for the past four years.

Prior to that he served three years as the District 11, or York County, commander for the VFW in Maine. He is also a life member of the Disabled American Veterans, a member of American Legion Post 26 in Biddeford and a life member of the Association of Military Musicians, which consists of members from all branches of the service.

Giroux is a key figure in bringing the U.S. Army Field Band at Fort Meade in Maryland to Maine. The band will give a free concert at Biddeford High School on March 30.

"I love being there for (other) veterans," Giroux said of his many veteran-support activities.

He's also honored about being chosen to lead off this year's Veterans Day parade.

Giroux is married to Priscille Giroux. They both grew up in Biddeford and continue to live in the city. The couple has a daughter, Michelle, who was born at a naval hospital in Portsmouth, Va.

The family went with Giroux when he was assigned to base in West Germany, but his daughter returned to earn her high school diploma from Biddeford High School, 30 years after her father did.

Giroux and his wife also have a granddaughter, who is now 8.

He has said it's important to hold events to mark Veterans Day, such as the parade in the twin cities, in order to "remind the public that there are veterans who have served their country and are still wiling to serve."

Richard G.
cmdrvfw7997@aol.com

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