I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you who came to our first breakfast of the year. With over 90 people attending, we are off to a great start for the 2018 season! I also have to correct the date I provided in my last article for the American Legion Auxiliary Craft Fair, which is on May 12. There has been so much interest in the Fair that they have had to add additional tables. So, with the Legion Hall full of arts, crafts, and food they look forward to having a great turnout! The Auxiliary Unit 36 and Legion Post 36 are partners in the support of the American Legion principals (or Pillars): (1) Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation, (2) National Security, (3) Americanism, and (4) Children & Youth. Unit 36 has been dormant for a number of years but was officially restarted this past Monday during the monthly Post meeting. President Mary Ellison, Secretary Ann Doucette, and Treasurer Jennifer Hargreaves where sworn in as the organizations leadership. If you are married to a war time era veteran or have father/mother/grandmother/grandfather who served, you should consider joining our Auxiliary. Post 36 and the Auxiliary Unit 36 will be working together in community service.

Honor Flight Maine will be departing April 27 (Friday) with approximately 45 W0rld War II and Korean War veterans on this flight including several of our areas veterans. They will be returning on Sunday, April 29. The Welcome Home celebration at the Jetport is an event that is exciting, emotional, and exhilarating all at the same time. It is well worth the drive to Portland to experience this event. You should arrive at the Jetport by 1 p.m.

Past articles have discussed the American Legion and Auxiliary’s Boys State and Girls State programs for high chool and home-schooled juniors. The deadline for applications to the American Legion Post 36 is May 1. There are still spots for boys and girls who would like to attend. For more information about the programs, see https://www.legion.org/boysnation/stateabout and https://www.alaforveterans.org/ALA-Girls-State/.

As we all know, the redemption center in Boothbay has closed. But, the American Legion is still picking up from the usual drop off locations. We appreciate all your donations!

The Memorial Day Parade will be May 28. The Auxiliary, the Boy Scouts, and Girl Scouts, will be participating this year and we hope to add others. As always, the veterans marching will be under the leadership of USMC Sgt. (Ret.) Barry Sherman. It would be really great if all veterans could join us in this parade. The trolley will once again be available for those who would like to be part of this tribute to our fallen heroes. For those veterans who have watched from the side of the street, join us. As you know, uniforms are not required. Whether you are a combat veteran or a veteran who never left stateside duty, you are a veteran and this is the one time when all veterans can honor our fallen brothers and sisters.

Once again, breakfast at the Legion his Sunday from 0700 to 0900. Remember, your donations go to support our local veterans and the work of the Boothbay Region Community Resource Council. Hope to see you there.