Collins and LePages mourn death of troop greeter Bill Knight
BANGOR — Sen. Susan Collins, Gov. Paul LePage and First Lady Ann LePage joined hundreds of Mainers in paying tribute to Bill Knight, a World War II veteran and dedicated troop greeter at Bangor International Airport.
Observer photo/Jeannette Hughes
TOP TROOP GREETER — Bill Knight was honored at the Milo American Legion for his service to the Bangor Troop Greeters a few years ago.
He passed away Christmas Day at the Maine Veterans’ Home in Bangor at the age of 91.
“I am saddened to learn of the death of Bill Knight,” Collins said in a prepared statement. “In 2009, I had the privilege of welcoming Bill, along with Joan and Jerry, to a special screening of the documentary, ‘The Way We Get By’ that I hosted at the United States Capitol.
“I remember how pleased Bill was with the film, but I especially remember how proud he was of all of the young Americans who leave the comfort and security of home to defend our freedom and to extend the blessing of freedom to others. Bill was a patriotic American who gave of himself to honor and support our men and women in uniform. His dedication will be remembered.”
“We have lost a man who reminded us time and again about the American spirit and how fortunate we are to live in a free nation,” said Gov. LePage. “For so many years, Bill greeted our military men and women and he will be missed dearly for his dedication to service and remembered for an unwavering commitment to our Troops. Maine was fortunate to have known Bill, and we honor his memory by continuing to support our service members every day for their courage and sacrifice in defending our freedom.”
Ann LePage recalled that when she first met Knight, “I knew he was a special and generous man. He taught us how a simple hand shake and saying thank you can inspire a nation. ‘The Way We Get By’ is not only a documentary, but it is a piece of history that will live on and remind us of Bill’s compassion and dedication to our men and women in uniform. We thank him for his service and allegiance to our nation, and his legacy will be remembered.”