Following the directions of Governor Mills and local authorities, this year’s Memorial Day Parade has been cancelled. The American Legion will have a ceremonial team of nine members that will travel by car to each of the traditional memorials, with the addition of the memorial in Edgecomb, starting at Newagen and will follow the normal route, ending in Edgecomb. The team members will vary to include veterans with an affiliation with that location. The team will also have a chaplain and a bugler who will play taps. Our fallen heroes will be respectfully remembered as they have been since 1868.

This Saturday, the flags will be placed at the various cemeteries around the region. While every effort will be made to place a flag at each of our veterans’ graves, it is inevitable we will miss a few. If anyone knows of a veteran marker that did not get a flag, please call the Hall (633-4487) and leave your name, number, the cemetery, name of the veteran, and the location in the cemetery.

We are all feeling the strains of social isolation and the restrictions that are placed on us during this time. And we all have different opinions on what the next steps should be and when. I am reminded that the last line of the American Legion Preamble to our constitution states: “To consecrate and sanctify our comradeship by our devotion to mutual helpfulness.” This could not be more important than it is today. “Mutual helpfulness” means respect for one another and respect for each others opinions and beliefs. The first two lines of the Preamble state: “To uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States of America;” and “to maintain law and order.” So, we uphold the right for free speech and respect those who articulate their thoughts that might be different than our own, but we also ensure that we follow the laws and the orders that govern our actions during this time.

The Legion Hall will be ready for rentals once again on 1 June following the Governor’s Stage 2 reopening plan. Stage 2 contemplates revising the limitation on gatherings from less than 10 people to less than 50 people. For most, you may not recognize the inside of the facility when you step in. Over the winter we have made significant changes, with a few more changed to be added in May. If you are interested in seeing what has been done, contact any of the Legion officers, or call the Hall, for a tour. An open house is planned and will be schedule as soon as we get back to near normal.

Social isolation is devastating. Reach out this week and call someone!

Please call the Hall (633- 4487) if you know of a veteran family in need during this difficult time.