This past Saturday, June 10, I represented Post 36 at the American Legion, Department of Maine, annual convention in Brewer. This was the first convention I have been to since COVID and I have to admit, I was impressed by the turnout. Standing room only!

Besides the normal order of business, a number of individuals were honored for their service above and beyond. Among those honored were a Border Patrol officer, a Game Warden, and a State Police officer. It was clear from the presentations that they truly represented the best of the best. Legion baseball was discussed with a great deal of enthusiasm because after a few years of decline, perhaps due to COVID, more teams were added this year, including our 36ers! At the end of the meeting, they conducted the first ever Department Post Everlasting ceremony. For those who haven’t been to a Post 36 Post Everlasting ceremony, this is the time when we recognize a Post 36 member who has passed and, as we say, has passed to the Post Everlasting. While a short ceremony, it is moving and an appropriate way to ensure his/her memory will not be forgotten. The Department Ceremony is similar but it recognizes all the members of the Maine Legionnaires who have passed during the past year. In Maine, there are 17 Districts and Post 36 is in District 7. The District Commanders line up at rear of the Hall and at the front of the Hall is a ceremonial display with the Department Sgt at Arms and another Department Officer standing on either side. One by one, the District Commanders went forward and placed an envelope with the names of those who have passed from their district onto the display, and then the three officers rendered the slow ceremonial salute. There were 461 Legionnaires who have passed this year, with 25 from District 7.

Post 36 has held a Post Everlasting ceremony each month during 2022. So, we know, that 12 of those 25 legionnaires were members of Post 36. This meeting was also the change of Department Leadership. So, the new Department Commander is Alfred McKay. The Department of Maine has a paid staff. The Department Adjutant, the senior staff person, has been Paul L’Heureux for the past 10 years. The Adjutant is the continuity as the State Commander, unpaid, holds that job for only one year. Paul has been a big help to me during my five years as Post Commander. His replacement is Jason Hall. Jason has been the Department Judge Advocate for the past year. Knowing Jason, he will be a great asset to the Department.

Don’t forget we are open to receive Aug. 8 Yard Sale items now. Spread the word, anyone can have a table and join the Yard Sale on the Boothbay Common! Call the Hall at 633-4487.

Save the date: Awards Dinner Oct. 28

The next Post meeting is July 10; 1730 dinner and the next breakfast June 18.