Rain didn't stop over 110 folks from attending our special breakfast last Sunday. Sixteen kids received a “back to school” package that hopefully will remind them of what a great country we live in and fill them with pride to be an American, something we all need to be reminded of during this difficult time. My hope is that every one who received the American Flag pin will proudly wear it when they go back to school. If you have a school age person who wasn't able to attend the breakfast but would like to receive the package, a limited supply is available. Call the Hall at 633-4487 and leave your contract information and we will arrange to have it available to be picked up.

On Aug. 18, President Biden signed into Law “The PAWS ACT,” or 'Puppies Assisting Wounded Service members for Veterans Therapy Act.' This law authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to create a pilot program on dog training therapy that will provide dog-training skills and service dogs to veterans with mental illnesses. The $10 million, five-year pilot program will take effect on Jan. 1, 2022. How this program will be implemented in Maine, since it is a "pilot program," is not known at this time. Further information will follow when known.

Remember that our annual Rewards Dinner is Nov. 6. This family affair will honor Legion members and members of the community that have gone the extra mile for the community, veterans, or in support of national security (the principals of the American Legion). If you have a candidate who should be honored this year, contact the Hall at 633-4487 or David Patch (dapatch@roadrunner.com).

Honor Flight Maine is flying again this year with the flights currently scheduled Sept. 17-19 and Oct. 29-31. If you have signed up for Honor Flight, those on the September flight are in the process of being notified. Those on the October flight won't be notified until later in September. Due to the on going COVID-19 restrictions, there will be different requirements for those on the flight, either as a veteran or guardian, and those restrictions will be provided during the notification process. There will also be restrictions for the "Homecoming" on Sunday when the veterans return to the Jetport. Once known, I will provide that information in a future article. Remember, the mission of Honor Flight is to get all veterans to Washington, D.C. to see the memorials. Since the priority is the older veterans first, and then in the order the applications are received, all veterans should sign up now. Eventually your time will come. If you are unable to go on line to sign up, call the Legion at 633-4487 and make an appointment at the Legion.

The next Legion meeting is Sept. 13. Hot dogs/hamburgers, pulled pork (and other delicious treats) at 5:30 p.m. and the meeting starts at 6. We will be honoring our fallen comrade, Gary Laweryson, at this meeting.