As I was walking to work today, this guy stepped aside for me to pass. As I walked by him, I mentioned how much I liked his cane, not realizing what it symbolized. I saw him and his wife later sitting on the bench in front of Palazolas. So you all know me… This is Duane Bellish and his loving wife of 54 years, Sandy. They live in Grayling, northern Michigan. They love Glosta’, having never even been here before. “All the people we’ve met have been fun, interesting, and most helpful. Fred, you alone have made our weekend.” We spent maybe an hour together talking. They are devout Christians, and blessed me half a dozen times. Me, I bless them only once, but to the power of 20. God Bless Duane and Sandy x 20!Duane served in the US Army in ’69 and ’70. He was a Tank Commander in the 25th Infantry, Driving 112APC tanks on the Cambodian Border (Base Camp Cuchi). Two Purple Hearts and still carrying shrapnel. Today, Duane needs his cane, and with Sandy sells home grown plants, cut flowers, at the Detroit Eastern Market, which is 150+ years old. They agree that Detroit is not doing well. I gave them a GMG sticka’, but was too intrigued with them to include it in the photo. My grandpa Yewell also got two purple hearts in the trenches of France in WWI.
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Fred Bodin is a photographer who owns a gallery on Main Street in downtown Gloucester, MA. The gallery features Fred's land and seascapes, as well as historic images printed from the old negatives.
View all posts by Fredrik Bodin
14 thoughts on “A Hero Shot, in More Ways Than One”
Thanks Fred Very right here (God Bless Duane and Sandy x 20!I) have many close friends from this era and many that did not make it out. One friend was a medic that way and now lives in Mass – He had his own version of SKY Pilot by Eric Burton 1968 the long version…:-) God Bless
When they told me they would be going to the Causeway, I gave two thumbs up. That’s where they’ll eat tonight, because they liked it so much. I also said Charlie’s was very good, where they had already eaten. I think this is a feather in all of our Glosta’ caps.
Fred;
We had the great pleasure of meeting this couple as well. Thank you for capturing them on film! We certainly wish we had spent more time with them. and had the presence of mind to re-connect with them. Thank you for sharing this and Good Morning Gloucester in general! Keep doing what you’re doing!
These two (My aunt and uncle) have a great knack for leaving an impression on EVERYONE they meet. Truly two of the greatest people I’ve been blessed with ever knowing…
Ok, as I walked past your uncle on my way to work, I made a mental note only. Later, when he was on the bench across the street, I asked to take a picture. and one thing led to another. Yes, great people. And his wife said to my friend Diana: “You’re the daughter I never had.” When Diana goes to the local supermarket, people look at her and say: “Oh, you’re the daughter I never had.” No joke here, you’d be lucky to have a Diana in your life.
My big brother Duane has the biggest heart in the world, next to only my sister-in-law Sandy. They’re two of the best people you would ever want to meet! Glad to see they made it out to MA.
Good Morning Gloucester 
Again another great story
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OMG!! We saw them at Charlie’s Place and gave Sandy a great suggestion of going to the Causeway for dinner next time!
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Great pics and great story!!
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Thanks Fred Very right here (God Bless Duane and Sandy x 20!I) have many close friends from this era and many that did not make it out. One friend was a medic that way and now lives in Mass – He had his own version of SKY Pilot by Eric Burton 1968 the long version…:-) God Bless
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When they told me they would be going to the Causeway, I gave two thumbs up. That’s where they’ll eat tonight, because they liked it so much. I also said Charlie’s was very good, where they had already eaten. I think this is a feather in all of our Glosta’ caps.
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Wonderful story !
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Fred;
We had the great pleasure of meeting this couple as well. Thank you for capturing them on film! We certainly wish we had spent more time with them. and had the presence of mind to re-connect with them. Thank you for sharing this and Good Morning Gloucester in general! Keep doing what you’re doing!
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my grandpa
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Yes, he is a hero. Thanks for you comment.
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o ya my grandpa the most loving person i have ever met
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Oh yeah, I sensed that Nick. What a great man. I felt very comfortable approaching him on the street here in Gloucester.
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These two (My aunt and uncle) have a great knack for leaving an impression on EVERYONE they meet. Truly two of the greatest people I’ve been blessed with ever knowing…
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Ok, as I walked past your uncle on my way to work, I made a mental note only. Later, when he was on the bench across the street, I asked to take a picture. and one thing led to another. Yes, great people. And his wife said to my friend Diana: “You’re the daughter I never had.” When Diana goes to the local supermarket, people look at her and say: “Oh, you’re the daughter I never had.” No joke here, you’d be lucky to have a Diana in your life.
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My big brother Duane has the biggest heart in the world, next to only my sister-in-law Sandy. They’re two of the best people you would ever want to meet! Glad to see they made it out to MA.
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