As that American flag flew over Route 1 Saturday in Wiscasset for Rich Kubler’s memorial service and area responders stood roadside awaiting the casket and escort’s return trip through, the support motorcyclists and others were also showing reminded me of how united Mainers and other Americans were after 9/11.

Can we get back to the feeling we are all on the same side? It shouldn’t take the service for a local man whose life was cut short by the effects of the 9/11 recovery effort to remind us, we are one. But it reminded me.

Any chance I have had lately to work in a pitch here for wearing face masks, I have taken. And I stand by it, because I want the pandemic to end – good for people, good for businesses and schools. Similarly, the people who ignore signs asking or requiring them to wear face masks are clearly standing by their convictions, too.

As we all keep trying to get through 2020 as quickly as possible, let’s remember another horror in 2001 that claimed American lives and is still claiming them, like Kubler’s.

Be proud, fire departments, First Congregational Church of Wiscasset, and others who took part in or showed or felt their own support for Kubler and others who gave to their country in and after 9/11. You represented him well Saturday. You represented us all well.