KENNEBUNK — Fish tales filled the lawn of the Nonantum Resort in Kennebunk on Wednesday along with smiles and laughter as 39 southern Maine veterans enjoyed a steak and lobster meal after a day of fishing for striper.

The event, Fishing for Freedom, was hosted by Cabela’s in Scarborough, the Nonantum Resort and the Wounded Heroes Program of Maine. This was the second annual Fishing for

Freedom, and Greg Sirpis, retail marketing manager for Cabela’s, hopes the program will expand in coming years.

Sirpis, a life member of the Marine Corps League and Vietnam Veterans of

America, said he wants veterans to know they have community support.

“It’s not about ‘look what Cabela’s done;’ it’s for them. We owe them,” said Sirpis. “If there’s one little thing we can do to make them smile, my job’s done.”

Fishing for Freedom is not only an opportunity for fun, but is therapeutic for veterans as well.

“They’re so thankful to be able to get away from the bustle of every day, to just relax and have a good time,” said Sirpis.

Local captains donated their time and boats for the event. Ten vessels participated this year – eight from Kennebunk and two from Wells. Most of them also participated last year.

This year’s event was special, as former President George H.W. Bush led the line of boats out of the harbor and under an American flag hung over the channel. He then sent his aide back to give lapel pins to all the veterans, which was met with cheers and applause.

Each veteran also got a goodie bag of sunscreen, lip balm and lanyards before they set out.

Pam Payeur, a volunteer with the Wounded Heroes Program, emphasized the need for veterans to connect with each other in a nonclinical setting.

“We feel very strongly about connecting veterans in a natural way,” said Payeur. “They find strength and support in each other.”

Payeur said they had to turn some veterans away from the event because they simply didn’t have enough boats. She expects the number of interested veterans to double next year as word gets out.

Veteran David Slagger, a “lifelong Mainer,” is a returning participant. Last year, he said he caught the very first fish, earning a plaque for the achievement. This year, he said there were “no fish; we just had fun … we got to crack some jokes and get to know each other.”

Slagger participated in Trolling for Troops earlier in the year, which is the freshwater version of Fishing for Freedom. He also ran the Boston Marathon this year as a mobility-impaired athlete .

He said he tries hard to be open and honest about his psychological and physical injuries, because he doesn’t associate shame with them, and he doesn’t want others to either.

“I’m a big believer in patriotism and honoring others who have sacrificed,” said Slagger. “I believe there is no greater honor than to be around others who have sacrificed … especially on the altar of freedom.”

For that reason, he hopes to participate next year as well.

Veteran Joleen Mitchell participated for the first time this year, and hopes to take part again, calling the day “fantastic.”

“I’m a wounded vet, and it was time to spend with my brothers and time to spend in the outdoors,” Mitchell said.

Tina Hewett-Gordon, general manager of Nonantum Resort, decided to get involved with the event when a local captain, Bruce Herbert, who docks his boat the Libreti Rose II at the resort, approached her last winter.

“It fell together really nicely,” said Hewett-Gordon. “You get what you give and you give what you get, and these guys have given a lot.”

Many of the vendors ended up donating their services and goods for free. Hewett-Gordon believes she knows why.

“It’s done in honor for one of the best causes there is as an American,” she said.

Not many fish were caught, and the Libreti Rose II ran over some lobstering gear and had to get towed back early. But didn’t seem to bother the veterans as they filled their plates and regaled each other with stories of the day .

Mitchell caught nothing – but that wasn’t what she really came for anyway.

“It’s a great time to destress and laugh,” she said. “Which is rare for a combat veteran.”