Windjammer Days Parade is always an exciting community event each year. For some reason, this year seemed more vibrant and more community spirit on display than ever before! At least to us, the American Legion float team. The Post lead with the display of flags. Did you notice a couple of flags you might not have seen in the past? Added to the display now is the Space Force and the Merchant Marine flags. This led the way for the Legion Auxiliary float. Even from the front seat of the car pulling the Post flag float I could see the excitement in the crowd as they saw the Auxiliary float with so many of our regions veteran’s pictures on display and even some on the float itself.

Let me quote from our Auxiliary VP of communications, Sue Burge: “I want to share with you something that just hit me like a brick…..As we approached throngs of bystanders from the Meadow Mall/Hannaford area, the crowd broke out in great cheer and then when we got down onto Townsend Ave and were greeted by what seemed like ten thousand people from high on roof top balconies down to the street level and traversing through the 4 corners and beyond ... the crowd response was so overwhelming that we were not quite prepared emotionally.” She continued with “…[we]  had all we could do to keep from bursting forth with tears from the response of respect to our mission…”Honoring our veterans…Never to be forgotten.”  

The American Legion is the only service organization on the peninsula, but it is opened to all veterans. Some think that you had to serve in combat or in a war zone. Not true! Even if you never left the US of A and had a desk job during the time you served, you are still eligible to be a member. The military is one big team! No matter what you did during your time in the service, you contributed to the greatest military in the world! Every veteran should be proud of their service. And you should be recognized for it. So, may next year, rather than be in the crowd during the Memorial Day and Windjammer Days parades, join us in the parade! Be proud of the fact you are part of the less then 10% in this country that did serve! Of course, we would really like for you to join our Post and help us serve our fellow veterans better. Be part of the team within the team!

The Yard Sale is August 6th. This is a “community yard sale.” $25 will buy you a 10-foot by 20-foot section of the yard. Call the Post (633-4487) to participate. Need space to store your yard sale donations, we have the storage unit across from the Hall to handle whatever you have.

Next breakfast is July 17. Check out our website at www.post36maine.org.