Published on September 29, 2020

During a Special Town Council meeting on Sept. 28, 2020, the Town Council voted unanimously to proclaim Oct. 5, 2020 as Ernest Brien Day in Cape Elizabeth in recognition of his distinguished service to our country and on the occasion of his 100th birthday.  Brien, a native of Portland, Maine, served in the United States Army from 1940 to 1962.  

Fort Williams in Cape Elizabeth was his home base having served there from 1940 to 1942, briefly in 1946, from 1949 to 1950, from 1951 to 1952, and from 1954 to 1960.  When not stationed at Fort Williams, Brien served in Europe during World War II where he was wounded in battle and served with uncommon valor.  He was awarded a Bronze Star, Silver Star, and a Purple Heart. Brien was later deployed to the Korean War, where he again served with uncommon valor, earned another Bronze Star, Silver Star, and Purple Heart.  

Cape Elizabeth citizen, James Rowe, president of the Cape Elizabeth Historical Preservation Society, in collaboration with the Friends of Fort Williams Park, became acquainted with Brien approximately four years ago during the creation of a video, "Fort Williams: First Person" which memorializes the stories of people who served, grew up at, or otherwise had special experiences at Fort Williams.  Brien and Frances Jordan Banks, a Unites States Army nurse in World War II who also served at Fort Williams, were both interviewed and included in the video project.  Brien and Jordan Banks served as Grand Marshals for the Cape Elizabeth Memorial Day Parade in 2017 [news article]. 

Upon learning that Brien's 100th birthday was occurring on Oct. 5, Rowe was moved to arrange a tribute to Brien for his service to the United States and to the town on this milestone occasion. With the unanimous support from the Town Council, Rowe will organize a celebration for Saturday, Oct. 17 at 11 a.m. at Captain Strout Circle within Fort Williams Park.  Brien and his family will be escorted by the color guard of the Cape Elizabeth Police Department to Fort Williams, where he will be met by other town dignitaries to honor his service. The rain date is Oct. 18. All COVID-19 protocols will be strictly followed.

Town Council Proclamation.