Richard Cyr
"Mr. Cyr is a nice, witty guy. He was
born and raised in Fairfield, Maine. Back in his day, everyone knew
that they would be drafted one day. He had graduated in 1951, and was
enlisted when he was 22 years old. Somerset County wanted three men to
be in the U.S. Navy, so he applied. Himself, a boy from Norridgewock,
and another Fairfield boy were accepted for the job. Before being put
on the ship, he had six weeks of boot camp that he had to pass. It was
a terrible experience, but he got through it. Barely in fact, for Mr.
Cyr could not swim. He practiced and practiced until he had finally got
it. After boot camp, he was stationed on a sub cruiser, which was used
for experimental marine demolition..." ~ D. Levesque
"...Mr. Cyr’s sincerity and patriotism for the United States is completely inspirational. I will always remember this experience as a privilege and an opportunity...
Wow! Mr. Cyr had a lot to say about his experience in the navy. His words were so powerful... it was like they... really meant something to him and he was giving it to our group. Mr. Cyr actually started crying when he told us about seeing the American flag get burned down in the streets. It was very emotional... now that's true patriotism. I think it's so amazing how he was one of four people that actually passed the test to be in the navy. I think he is very fortunate because if he didn't pass that test he would have had to be in the Vietnam War. That test was so difficult he actually described it as the hardest tests he'd ever taken combined! I almost felt somewhat proud that I got to meet him and that he was willing to share his story with me. He is a true inspiration, I mean, he had to overcome so many obstacles and fears..." ~ K. Martin
"...I think this interview went very well! Mr. Cyr is a very respectful guy. I'm very happy that we have people in this world like him. I learned that there are two parts of the war. Not everybody does front line fighting. Even if they don't do that the people are very important. Like, for example Mr. Cyr, without them type of people, things wouldn't be the same..." ~ K. Towers
"...Mr. Cyr taught me what the true meaning of hard work. Before, I thought it was what I had to do at home but what I do seems like a day at the park in terms of work for the Navy..." ~ J. Barrows
"...Mr. Cyr’s sincerity and patriotism for the United States is completely inspirational. I will always remember this experience as a privilege and an opportunity...
Wow! Mr. Cyr had a lot to say about his experience in the navy. His words were so powerful... it was like they... really meant something to him and he was giving it to our group. Mr. Cyr actually started crying when he told us about seeing the American flag get burned down in the streets. It was very emotional... now that's true patriotism. I think it's so amazing how he was one of four people that actually passed the test to be in the navy. I think he is very fortunate because if he didn't pass that test he would have had to be in the Vietnam War. That test was so difficult he actually described it as the hardest tests he'd ever taken combined! I almost felt somewhat proud that I got to meet him and that he was willing to share his story with me. He is a true inspiration, I mean, he had to overcome so many obstacles and fears..." ~ K. Martin
"...I think this interview went very well! Mr. Cyr is a very respectful guy. I'm very happy that we have people in this world like him. I learned that there are two parts of the war. Not everybody does front line fighting. Even if they don't do that the people are very important. Like, for example Mr. Cyr, without them type of people, things wouldn't be the same..." ~ K. Towers
"...Mr. Cyr taught me what the true meaning of hard work. Before, I thought it was what I had to do at home but what I do seems like a day at the park in terms of work for the Navy..." ~ J. Barrows