By Cherry Dumaual

NEW FAIRFIELD — Peter Warren Doyen, a 99-year-old New Fairfield resident, is a Coast Guard World War II veteran. His daughters, Cari Weizenecker and Debbie Hagood and his granddaughters Abigail and Amanda, recently organized a celebration with his brothers, John Lloyd Doyen, 102, a Coast Guard World War II veteran, and James Charles Doyen, 97, who served in the Air Force from 1948 to 1952 during the Korean War.

The brothers flew in for their “300 Years of Greatness” celebration and to honor America’s 250th anniversary. The gathering also brought back memories of how Peter unexpectedly reunited with his older brother, Linval, aboard the troop transport General Muir after three years without hearing from him.

Cari said, “We decided to host the party because my dad had requested to get together with his brothers and their families to celebrate their birthdays and their longevity. They also made a trip to the family grave in Queens where their parents and another brother are buried.”

She continued, “The brothers have always had a tight bond as the Doyen Brothers. It’s not quite 300 years but very close and worthy of a celebration. They have been hardworking, good, honorable men who served their family and their country. They remain part of the ‘Greatest Generation’ and want the best for their country.”

The brothers were excited to reunite for the joyous occasion. Cari shared that John turned 102 during that week and he and his wife Majlis made the trip from Naples, Florida. James and his wife Carol travelled from Long Island with their daughters Jill and Judy to enjoy the celebration. They all enjoyed spending the day together with the many friends and family members who attended.

Peter Reunites with Older Brother Linval During World War II

During World War II, Peter and his older brother Linval both served in the Coast Guard. Linval, who enlisted in 1940 for a three-year term, reenlisted when the war intensified. Linval was 90 years old when he passed away in 2010.

When Peter was 15 years old, he enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard and served in the Pacific during World War II.

He explained, “I had three of my brothers in the service, who were older than me. My mother didn’t want me to go, but my father helped me. I had to sneak out of the house, and I lied about my age. I had to say I was 17.”

Peter was serving aboard the troop transport General Muir when he unexpectedly reunited with Linval, who had been wounded during a kamikaze attack in Leyte Gulf, Philippines. Peter and his family had not heard from Linval for three years and did not know he had suffered shrapnel wounds to his leg and back but had survived the attack.

The brothers’ paths crossed when Linval was transferred aboard the General Muir, which was transporting wounded servicemen.

Recalling the unexpected reunion, Peter said, “You hit different islands with a delivery boat and landing craft to drop off and replace troops. A ship happened to be taking back wounded from the Philippine Islands. That’s when I met with my brother. He happened to get on my ship, which I did not know. Linval was wounded when his ship was stationed at Leyte Gulf in the Philippines. Suicidal Japanese kamikaze planes flew into the United States ship.”

Peter recalled that Linval described his injuries as superficial.

How did the Doyen brothers discover they were both aboard the same ship?

As Linval was being issued his blanket and sheets, a steward told him there was another serviceman aboard with the last name Doyen — Peter. Although Linval believed his younger brother would still be in high school, a meeting was arranged.

Peter recalled, “We couldn’t talk at first. We couldn’t believe it. It was kind of rough. It was happy and sad at the same time. My commanding officer gave me the day off. We sat and talked a lot.”

A photographer from the New York Post captured the brothers’ emotional reunion. The newspaper later published a story titled “Two Boys Meet Overseas.” Linval spent about 10 days aboard the General Muir with his brother.

“300 Years of Greatness” Celebration

The celebration was held at the Patterson, New York Fire House, where Peter’s granddaughter, Abigail, works as an EMT.

Cari purchased commemorative flags that had been flown over the U.S. Capitol. The Brewster ROTC team performed a Color Guard presentation and flag-folding ceremony before presenting the folded flags to the veterans. Congressman Michael Lawler sent certificates of achievements and Hudson Valley Challenge coins for the brothers.

Cari said, “The ROTC team and did an amazing job and it was very touching as it was their last presentation with their leader Mike Campbell.” We also had bagpipers Dave Wonsey and Andy McEvoy play a medley of patriotic and celebratory songs.”

The Doyen family’s joyful reunion celebrated nearly 300 years of combined life and a lasting legacy of military service, resilience, family, and love of country.