Post 24 Commander’s Corner

The Post Americanism Officer, Fred Milligan, with many volunteers from the Post, along with the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts from Pack and Troop 580, put flags out on the cemeteries within the town of Rumford prior to Memorial Day. I’m sure a few graves were missed so, if anyone finds that they are missing a flag, please go by the Legion to pick one up. It is easier for you to place the flag on the grave site of your loved one then for us to try and find it in the cemetery. The Post is open Monday-Saturday from noon to 8 p.m. This only pertains to cemeteries in the Town of Rumford for each town is responsible for their own.

On May 27, the Western Maine Veterans’ Home held their annual Memorial Day Ceremony. The guest speaker was Kelly Cash, the CEO of the Maine Veterans’ Homes and patriotic songs were performed. They have them every Veteran’s Day and on Memorial Day.

The Memorial Day Parade on May 28 was a great success. Tom Buotte, the parade chairman, took ill and ended up in the hospital, unable to see his efforts unfold. Many thanks to volunteers that stepped up to ensure the parade got off to such a success. Thanks to the Rumford and Mexico police and the Maine State Troopers to ensure that we had a safe parade route. A big thank you to Adley’s Auto Sales with providing vans so those unable to walk could participate. The floats were an awesome display of patriotism.

This Sunday at 10 a.m., the Post will host an Oratorical Contest Workshop, a constitutional speech contest to develop a deeper knowledge and appreciation of the U.S. Constitution. Candidates must be a U.S. citizen in grades 9 -12 and under age 20. Home schooled children are also eligible. This workshop will provide information on the program to interested candidates, their families and High School educators as well and any Legion Post that is interested in conducting the program.

On June 14 at 5 p.m., the Post will conduct a brief flag disposal ceremony with the help of the local Scouts. If anyone has a flag that has to be retired, drop it off at the post and we will take care of it properly.