Despite the weather, there was a strong turnout at the Bowdoin men’s hockey game against Wesleyan University last Saturday. It was Bowdoin’s annual Military and Veterans Recognition game, and many organizations that support veterans were present, including Maine Veterans in Need, Boothbay V.E.T.S., the VFW, DAV, MOAA, the Mid-Coast Veterans Council Resource Center, Martin’s Point, the Red Cross, and the VA. 

The State VFW Commander, Amy Meuchel, dropped the ceremonial puck to start the game. Before that, a member of the VFW beautifully sang the national anthem. Players from both teams showed their respect for veterans during the opening ceremony by tapping their hockey sticks on the ice, a powerful and moving gesture. After the game, several players stayed to talk with veterans and even helped pack up our display tables. One player told me the team looks forward to this game every year and feels honored to have us there. Maybe that had something to do with the 3–0 Bowdoin win. 

Thinking about what to write in mid-January, and staying well clear of politics, I found myself looking out the window at the snow that fell overnight. The holidays are over, the Gardens Aglow lights are turned off, and the Boothbay region settles into its winter rhythm. For many veterans, this quieter season brings both peace and challenge. 

For some, getting out in the elements becomes more difficult. While the quiet can be welcome at first, it can also deepen feelings of isolation. January has a way of reminding us how important connection really is. This is the time of year when simple gestures, a phone call, coffee with a fellow veteran, neighbor, or friend, can make a real difference. 

Winter also reminds us of service, and life, in a physical way. Cold weather tends to aggravate old injuries. Knees, backs and shoulders remind us of the abuse we gave them. In coastal Maine, the damp cold seems to settle right into those aches. January often brings more stiffness, slower movement, and a renewed appreciation for good boots and a warm car. 

And if you think Maine winters are tough, ask a veteran about cold weather. You’ll likely hear stories that begin with, “You think this is cold?” No matter the branch of service, many veterans have served in places colder than Maine; aboard ships in the North Atlantic, duty in Alaska, and for Korean War veterans the conditions were truly brutal. What we don’t miss are frozen fingers and sleepless nights. What we do miss is the camaraderie, the shared jokes, and the knowledge that everyone was in it together. 

As winter settles in, this quiet season is a good time to look out for one another. Check on a neighbor. Reach out to someone who may be feeling the cold a little more deeply this year. January may be quiet, but it doesn’t have to be lonely, and no one understands the value of sticking together better than those who once served side by side.