Staff Writer

Fallen heroes and a man who dedicated much of his life to ensure they are remembered were honored Monday in Old Orchard Beach.

A solemn observance in Veterans Memorial Park honored veterans who gave their lives to defend the country. Gov. Paul LePage spoke at the Memorial Day ceremony.

Town Clerk Kim McLaughlin led the event, which included raising of an American flag and placement of a wreath on the memorial. She said it is important to remember veterans who “in dying for our country passed on a legacy of freedom.”

This year’s parade was dedicated to Robert McNally, an Old Orchard Beach resident who died last Memorial Day. McNally, who served as a radio operator and gunner in World War II, spent many years organizing and promoting the annual parade. Eileen McNally, his wife of 48 years, attended the parade and ceremony with their children and grandchildren.

McLaughlin said McNally worked tirelessly to grow the parade into one of the biggest in the state.

“He wanted people to know this isn’t just a day off from work,” she said.  

Rep. George Hogan of Old Orchard Beach said the dedication to McNally was “fitting and well-deserved.” He said McNally is remembered in town as a distinguished veteran and loving father.

“Bob worked very hard each year to make this Memorial Day parade what it is,” Hogan said.

LePage asked people to pause to recognize the American flag as “a show of our everlasting patriotism.”

“Today marks a special day of remembrance as we pause for those who have died in service,” he said. “They have given the ultimate sacrifice.”

LePage said 50 Mainers have died in service to their country since Sept. 11, 2001.

“All these brave soldiers died to protect the American flag,” he said. “They are the shining stars that we will remember forever.”

Chaplain Brad Watts, a Marine from Saco, said a prayer during the ceremony. He also escorted Eileen McNally and Nancy Lee Kelley to the memorial for the laying of the wreath. Kelley is the mother of Capt. Christopher Cash, who grew up in Old Orchard Beach and was killed in Iraq in 2004.

Following the ceremony, Kelley led a short memorial in honor of her son at a tree and plaque dedicated in his name. McLaughlin, who grew up with Cash, said he remains very special to Old Orchard Beach.

While in town, LePage spoke at a memorial for prominent local businessman Nat Golzbein. During the memorial celebration at Lindbergh’s Landing on the Pier, Nat Golzbein was remembered as a loving father and grandfather who gave sound advice to those who knew him.

Golzbein, owner of the Pier and York’s Wild Animal Kingdom, died Dec. 5. He was 81.

Paul Golzbein, Nat Golzbein’s son and owner of the Pier, said his father often gave back to the community but never wanted recognition. The Nat Golzbein Literacy Project this year initiated the “Books for Bike” program to encourage children to read.

Paul Golzbein said the family presented six bicycles to Jameson School students who read at least 20 minutes a day for 20 days. He said the family chose to start the program because his father wanted to do something for children in the community.

“My dad and I were very close. I try to live up to his shoes,” Paul Golzbein said. “He was a tough act to follow.”

Paul Golzbein said his father may have been wealthy, but he valued his three children, nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren more than anything else.

“He told me that was wealth,” he said.

Roberta Golzbein Sauls said her father was “a wonderful father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

“He would have told us today, ‘get back to work,’” she said as the sounds of beachgoers drifted through the open windows.

LePage said he met Nat Golzbein last year during a fundraising event at the Pier.

“What a wonderful guy,” he said. “Nat was just an absolute wonderful guy.”

Mike Angelosante, a teacher from Old Orchard Beach, said he met Nat Golzbein years ago and always enjoyed the time they spent together. He said Nat Golzbein spread his message of working hard to earn what you want to many people throughout the community.

“Nat had a tremendous influence on hundreds, if not thousands, of people in this community,” he said.

Staff Writer Gillian Graham can be reached at 282-4337, ext. 213.