Donat Bernier

August 5, 2014

To Whom It May Concern:

My father, Donat C. Bernier, dropped out of vocational high school and joined the Navy in order to fight for his country in World War II, a decision he has never regretted. He enlisted in the Navy and served aboard the U.S.S. Hornet. My brother, sister and I grew up listening to the many stories he told regarding his service in the Navy.

My father is a member of VFW Post 3196, and has been for at least 50 years, at one point serving as Commander. Each year as I was growing up we attended the VFW Conventions that were held in Cape Cod, this was our family vacation and I looked forward to them every year. My father always marched in those parades while my brother carried the banner.

In June of 1996, my father was instrumental in establishing the “Cummiskey Square” at the intersection of County and Cove Road. He is also responsible for the flag monument that was erected in Hazelwood Park, and played a part in the dedication of the “Ruth St. Common” in the south end of New Bedford. In August 2005, he attended that dedication and of course he brought along his youngest grandchild. There have been many of these celebration/dedications over the years.

My father had always marched in both the Memorial and Veteran’s Day Parades for as long as I can remember. In May of 1998, he arrived at Buttonwood Park to find that he was the only veteran from his post that was still able to march in that parade. My father decided that he needed to represent his veteran’s post, he marched solo in honor of all his fellow veterans that were unable to march by his side. I remember the tears that I shed that day but also the pride I felt watching him. Unfortunately, in May of 2001, my father, for health reasons also, had to give up marching in these parades. I offered to drive him, or contact someone who would, but he blatantly refused. My father has always felt that when the time came that he would be unable to march, so be it, but he would not be driven. Although his health has declined and he has just celebrated his 90th birthday in July he still made his way (alone now as he has lost his spouse after 65 years of marriage) this year to the Memorial Day parade. My Dad still attends his monthly Post 3196 meetings and is an active member of the Disabled American Vets 1st Chapter located at 19 Willis St.

Memorial Day of 2004, my parents were lucky enough to make the trip to Washington D.C. to see the unveiling of the W.W. II Memorial. I believe he was the only veteran from this area able to make this trip. He was completely overwhelmed by the people on the street that would stop him to thank him for his service. My dad shed many a tear that weekend.

In June 2014, my father was presented with his honorary diploma from New Bedford Vocational High School due to the fact that he left school at the age of 17 to join the Navy. He waited over 70 years for this diploma. My dad received the diploma alongside his grandson Logan who was also graduating from G.N.B.V.T.H.S. this year. In honor of his grandfather, Logan has also joined the Navy and will be leaving for boot-camp on Aug.13’ 2014. I am sure that my father was instrumental in Logan’s decision to join the U.S. Navy and I don’t think he could be prouder of his grandson.

Perhaps there are other veterans out there who have received more medals than my father, but what exactly does the word Veteran mean? Is it the medals that one receives or is it what he passes down to future generations? The stories of sacrifices that were made by him and other servicemen, for the love of this country and the freedom that all veterans have fought for. I nominate my dad, Don Bernier not because of all the conventions, parades and memorials, but because he carried out for over 83 years what was asked of him at the young age of 17 by Harry Truman, which is that they now looked to him for leadership and example in further exalting our country in peace. Those are the words that my father has lived by and carried on for 90 years. He carried this message to his 3 children and his 6 grandchildren. What better legacy could he leave us?

I am grateful for the renewed patriotism that has erupted in our country since September 11th, however that is what I have always felt about the United States of America, what my father taught me and what together we have both taught my children.

Beth Bernier Kilanowich
220 Appleton St.
New Bedford, Ma. 02745

Phone: (508) 965-5690