TURNER - Commander Warren K. Clark of the Turner Memorial Post 111, American Legion, is announcing the formation of the Sons of the American Legion and the American Legion Riders of Turner.

Post 111 will be accepting membership for the Sons of the American Legion and for the American Legion Riders at its monthly meeting at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 17. The meeting is held at the Leavitt Institute Building, Community Room, 98 Matthew Way, Route 117 Turner. The first ten members of the SAL and TALR will be charter members. Paul L'Heureux 1st Vice Commander, Department of Maine will be the quest speaker on the Legion Riders. After the presentation the members will make a motion to either accept or not accept the Riders at this time. Membership will still be taken as members of the American Legion in Turner already belong to the Auburn Riders, Post 153 until such time as Turner accepts the Riders.

All eligible veterans, sons or grandsons or stepsons or adopted sons of veterans are welcome. Riders must have a minimum 350cc motorcycle. For additional information, call 225-3285.

Pictured at the L/A Harley event held in Lewiston on Saturday, May 5th is David Poisson and Russ Raymond.

David Poisson is also pictured with Chaplain Paul R. Bernard of the Turner Memorial Post 111. The chaplain purchased his ticket for the "Harley Davidson Raffle, 2007 XL1200 custom Sportster from the American Legion Post 28 Farmington. The ticket number is 286

Here's some additional information on the Legion Riders and how they assist the American Legion Family.

American Legion Riders chapters and districts, nationally, have become some of the most generous donors for the American Legacy Scholarship Fund, raising as much as $5,000 or more in a single event. Legion Riders participate in the annual POW/MIA Rally held each Memorial weekend in Washington D.C. known as "Rolling Thunder".

Legion Riders sponsor or participate in local and national charity events in support of the sponsoring American Legion Post. Legion Riders ride to raise money for such organizations as local VA Hospitals, Battered Women and Children's Center, Varied Children and Youth programs, a School for Blind Children, Veterans Relief, Needy families and many, many others. Legion Riders founded a national movement called “Patriot Guard” www.patriotguard.org  that honors and protects the sanctity of military funerals and memorial services. Legion Riders have formed special motorcycle Honor Guards and ceremonial teams highlighting the special bonds formed in military service and the motorcycling community. Legion Riders have also begun to teach motorcycle and driver safety in the community and in schools in cooperation with ABATE and other national motorcycling organizations.

Remember: American Legion Riders are a very dedicated group of Legion Family members. When your Post or district sponsors a new Riders organization, you create a win win situation for your post, district, and Department!

You must be a member of the American Legion, Auxiliary or Sons of the American Legion. You must own a motorcycle, have a valid motorcycle license and valid motorcycle Insurance.

Harley winner
Friday, December 7, 2007

Mexico - Don Bigwood of Mexico was the winner of the HD 2007 XL 1200 Custom Sportster Harley Davidson motorcycle. The winning ticket was drawn the last Saturday of the Farmington Fair. The raffle was sponsored by the American Legion Post 28 of Farmington.

American Legion, Post 111 will remember Veterans
Wednesday, May 23, 2007

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TURNER - The Turner Memorial Post 111, of the American Legion, will hold its first Memorial Day tribute since 1941 at noon Sunday, May 27, near the Turner Village Church, corner of Main and Church streets.

Commander Warren Clark will officiate along with Chaplain Paul Bernard of Post 111.

Honorees: Walter Bergman, 84, Navy Veteran, Henry Poisson, 83, Army Veteran and Francis Murphy, 80, Marine Tri-Veteran will place the "Wreath of Enduring Memory", which bespeaks the beauty and the brevity of life and evokes past memories, at the World War I and World War II Memorial Stone.

Sen. John Nutting of District 17  will deliver tributes followed by the reading of the names of the first 18 veterans who chartered Turner Post 111 in 1920. Justin Castagna, former Eagle Scout, of Turner will play "Taps."
All veterans and residents are invited to attend.

A Parade Steeped in Honor

By David A. Sargent , Special to the Sun Journal
Sunday, May 27, 2007

Edited by; Paul R. Bernard, Public Relations Historian

Pictures by: Paul R. Bernard

The American Legion Riders of Post 153 gathered before the meeting at their post home in New Auburn.  1st to arrive was none other than Walter Tarbox.

Riders checked out each others bikes as they prepared for the Parade. 

LEWISTON - Youngsters waved American flags and pointed in awe as massive military construction vehicles and local fire trucks rolled past. Elderly citizens proudly displayed caps or vests with military emblems. Hundreds lined the streets of the Twin Cities and filled the Veterans Memorial Park for the Memorial Day parade and ceremony that followed on Saturday morning. New Auburn Post 153 Color Guards and the Franco American War Veterans Color Guard were present.

Mayor Laurent F. Gilbert Sr. salutes Chaplain Paul R. Bernard, Post 111, Turner as the picture is taken.

 Bert Dutil Introduces Senator Susan Collins.

In the keynote address, U.S. Sen. Susan Collins told the large audience,

"I am one of the millions of Americans who have the privilege to call a veteran "Dad.
One of my earliest childhood memories is going with my Dad to patriotic parades in my hometown of Caribou. He hoisted me high on his shoulders, and from the best vantage point along the route, I saw hats go off and hands go over hearts as Caribou paid its respects to our flag and our veterans.
Sometimes, my father would wear his tattered old Army jacket to the parade. As a little girl, I thought it was just an old jacket. Only as an adult did I learn the price he had paid for it - He was wounded twice at the Battle of the Bulge, he earned a Bronze Star and Two Purple Hearts. Like so many others of his generation, he never talked much about his sacrifice.
His great generation provided all of us who came later with an inspiring view from their strong shoulders. From that vantage point, we learned the burden of service must be borne willingly and modestly. We learned challenges must be met and threats confronted. We have an obligation to take those lessons to heart, and provide strong shoulders for the generations to come.
Americans love peace. When we do go to war, it is with reluctance. The Americans we honor on Memorial Day fought for the security of our nation, and for benefit of all mankind. They humbled tyrants, defended the innocent, and freed the oppressed. Those who serve today - the veterans of tomorrow - carry on this great mission.
They, like those who came before, have earned our deepest thanks, not just on Memorial Day, but for all the days to come. "
Following the ceremony, Collins talked about congressional passage of the Iraq Supplemental Appropriations bill two days ago. "I felt it was important that we continue to support our troops who are in harm's way," she said, "but I also thought it was important that we have a series of benchmarks tied to reconstruction aid to prompt the Iraqi leaders to take the long-overdue actions that will help bring about a political reconciliation."
Speaking about the series of 18 benchmarks and portions of the bill that she specifically wanted to include, she said, "None of us wanted consequences that would hurt any of our troops or training of the Iraqi troops, so we chose economic consequences that could head off the flow of money to build everything from clinics to roads." She said the intent is to let the Iraqis know "that they, too, have to step up to the plate."

U.S. Navy Capt. Dean Krestos, with the Office of the Supervisor of Shipbuilding in Bath, was grand marshal of the parade and a guest speaker for the ceremony.
In his remarks, Krestos said, "I'm reminded of an old saying - that America will only be the land of the free so long as we continue to be the home of the brave." "To veterans past and present, and especially to those here today, a sincere thank you," he said.
The Saturday morning parade began at Kennedy Park and moved to Chestnut Street, Lisbon Street, Main Street, Longley Bridge, around Great Falls Plaza in Auburn, back to Longley Bridge, and ended at Veterans Memorial Park. The head of the long and colorful parade was beginning to move easterly onto the bridge before the final units, heading to Auburn, came off the bridge.
A large marching band representing four schools delighted the crowds along the route. Known is the "Roar of the Androscoggin," the combined bands of Lewiston High School, Edward Little High School and Auburn Middle School, and the Leavitt Area High School band and color guard performed a custom arrangement of William Billing's Revolutionary War song "Chester," which was prepared by Lewiston band director Jim Alberty.

A highlight of the parade was a limousine with an overall American flag paint job. It's the work of Larry Dearborn of Richmond, a member of American Legion Post 132.
A large silhouette of the flag-raising on Iwo Jima was mounted on a trailer sponsored by Post 31, Franco-American War Veterans.

Representing the Marine Corps League was Commandant; Raymond Lemieux of the Central Maine Detachment 810. Walking by his side is General Michael W. Hagee, 33rd Commandant of the Marine Corps.

 American Legion, Harry J. Conway Post 135 of Sabattus provided parade music with a 10-member drum unit and a glockenspiel player, all of whom were seated on a trailer.

The 11th Veterans Memorial Stone was unveiled by the State Commander of Veterans of Foreign Wars, Thomas R. Lussier, following the speeches. This year's addition to the monuments bears the emblem of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. The large stones are engraved with 216 names per stone of veterans, and the lists grow each year as new stones are erected. The granite stones are placed in a semi-circular arrangement with the Great Falls of the Androscoggin River as a backdrop.
 

Scot Bradeen of the Lewiston Police Department played bagpipes for the "Wreath of Enduring Memory" ceremony.
United States, Navy Captain, Dean Krestos, salutes after laying the "Wreath of Enduring Memory" at the Veterans Memorial Park monument.

Collins presented certificates of appreciation on behalf of the L-A Veterans Council to all Vietnam veterans in attendance, as well as several Korean veterans who did not receive their certificates last year.
College student Jeremy Gervais gave an a cappella rendition of the national anthem. The Reverend Barrett Barnes of the Episcopal diocese of Southwest Florida gave the invocation. Several songs were performed by "Just Us Singers," with Nel Meservier on the keyboard, and Richard Leblanc played taps.
Bert Dutil, chairman of the Lewiston Auburn Veterans Council and organizer of the event, said, "Everything, I think, was great. We had a nice crowd, and we had a nice parade."

After the ceremonies were over many people and veterans looked for their names or their loved ones names on the 11th stone.

1) people gathering, 2) unidentified, 3) Lucien Paradis of Post 150 Mechanic Falls, 4) Bertrand Mercier of Post 135 Sabattus, 5) Leo Fortin of Post 1 Rockland, 6) Paul R. Bernard Post 111 Turner.

"Wreath of Enduring Memory"

At the last Post 111 May 17th monthly meeting, Chaplain Paul Bernard made a motion that the Post organize a wreath laying ceremony at the World War I & II stone located near the Turner Village Church. 1st Vice Commander Harris Bradeen seconded and emphasized the importance of the Legion to implement these ceremonies in our community. The post voted to move ahead inspite of the shortness of time and arrangements were made.

Commander Warren Clark asked if everyone please stand.

Pictured below: Frederick Cilley w/ American Legion Flag, Ronald Hiscock w/ POW/MIA Flag, and Joe Velozo w/United States Flag.

Commander: Present Colors, Comrades present arms.

Post Colors

Two

Commander asked everyone to be seated. The chaplain brought 24 lawn chairs which were quickly filled while other spectators congregated under the shade tree. It had been reported that there was a chance of rain. However the Turner Post 111 was given a beautiful day to officiate this important ceremony in the Town of Turner.

Commander Warren Clark opened by saying;:  "Fellow Comrades, this day is sacred with the almost visible presence of those who have gone before us. As you know Memorial Day originated at the close of the Civil War so I would like to recognize all the veterans of earlier wars who have observed and kept Memorial Day alive. We honor the memory of those who gave their lives in the service of our country, and of those others who have dropped their burdens by the wayside of life, and are gone to their eternal rest.
May the ceremonies of today deepen your reverence for our departed friends and fellow comrades.

Let us renew our pledge of loyalty to our Country and its Flag.
Let us resolve by word and deed to emphasize the privilege and duty of patriotism.

Chaplain Paul Bernard prepares to come forward as Frederick Cilley holds the American Legion Flag and honoree, Henry Poisson looks on.

The Commander then asked Chaplain Paul R. Bernard if he would lead us in prayer:

The Chaplain prayed:

O God, as we gather to honor and pay respects to our comrades who have departed from this life, it is fitting that we remember first our great Nation.

You have given us a rich and beautiful land for our heritage.

We humbly pray that we may always prove ourselves a people constantly aware of your favor, and therefore anxious to demonstrate our gratitude in seeking to know and to do your will.

May our land be blessed with honest and productive industry, and a people of integrity who are anxious to learn and willing to respect one another.

May we be delivered from the evils of anarchy and violence, and from ingratitude and selfishness in all of our dealings.

Grant that we shall appreciate and treasure the freedom that is our gift and our heritage, and that we may never forget the great price at which it was purchased for us all.

We remember this day before you all who serve in the armed forces of our Nation.

Protect and defend them in the day of battle, and in the time of peace grant that they may serve with honor and dignity both to your great glory and to the credit of this Nation.

We ask also that you will watch over the veterans of this land, inspiring them to serve you and this Country.

We pray also for all those who have given their lives in the service of our Country (silence), and for those our fellow veterans who have served this Nation both in time of battle and in time of peace and are now at rest. (silence.) Grant them Your peace.

May light perpetual shine upon them.

May the good work which you have begun in them be brought to perfection, that this land may prosper and that there may be lasting peace throughout our world. All this we ask of you, Almighty Father, in Your Name. Amen.

The Chaplain asked those present to join together in singing the “Star Spangle Banner”

Oh, say can you see by the dawn's early light
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars thru the perilous fight,
O'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming?
And the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.
Oh, say does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

Commander then introduced the speaker of the day; State Senator, John Nutting, District 17

Pictured; Senator John Nutting, District 17, 1st Vice Commander, Harris Bradeen reading the list of the first 18 veterans that chartered the Turner Post in 1920 as Commander Warren Clark looks on.

American Legion Members of the Turner Memorial Post 111, Gordon Twitchell, John Jordan, Paul Turgeon and Kenneth Jordan laugh at one of Senator Nuttings stories.

Commander  thanked Senator Nutting for attending. Senator Nuttings father was listed as MIA during Korea.

The Chaplain then asked: "Will all the Comrades stand with me and bow your heads in solemn memory of our heroic dead."

Thirty seconds silence.

Commander: "Comrades and guest would you all please assist the Chaplain in  attending the Memorial prayer."

Chaplain prayed:

"Heavenly Father, we thank you for this special day when we can honor and memorialize all those who have given their lives in service to our country throughout our history.

They were someone’s father, mother, son, daughter, sister, brother, relative or friend.

Help us to be worthy servants who will guard our heritage through all the years to come.

In memory of these, our deceased comrades, may we pledge to our beloved country and this community the same service and the same consecrated devotion that our deceased comrades have.

And, O God, secure to us evermore the peace for which our comrades gave everything. Amen."

Commander: I would like to introduce to you the honorees.

Center: Walter L. Bergman, 84, World War II, Navy Veteran

Right: Henry B. Poisson, 83, World War II, 150^th Army Corps of Engineers

Left: Francis L. Murphy, 80, A Tri-Veteran of World War II, Korea and Vietnam.

Commander: Sergeant of Arms will present the honorees.

Commander: "Comrades Bergman, Fisher, Murphy, you will deposit upon the monument of our comrades the “wreath of enduring memory."

Commander: Comrades deposit Wreath.

 Sergeant at Arms, John Jordan with Honorees, Francis Murphy, Walter Bergman, and Henry Poisson salute after laying the "Wreath of Enduring Memory" at the World War I & World War II stone.

Commander: Present Arms

                       Two

Commander: "The flowers may wither, but the spirit of which they are the symbol will endure until the end of time."

Pictured is Turner Memorial Post Service Officer, Ronald Hiscock presented the POW/MIA flag.

Commander: In commemoration of our fellow comrades who served in World War I and first chartered Post 111 of Turner in 1920, the 1^st Vice Commander Harris Bradeen will read their names:

Forrest Austin, Harry Benson, Harold Bradford, Francis Bumpus, Fred Cole, William Dunn 

John Fisher, Eldred Green, Edgar Harlow, Almon Lawrence, James Leadbetter, Ellis McKeen

Roy Merrell, Harry Newell, Ralph Pearl, Clarence Shorey, Carlos Shaw, George Talbot

In memory of those who died at sea Chaplain Paul Bernard sounded the bell 12 times followed by the

Bugler: Justin Castagna who played Taps.

Francis Murphy looks at Justin Castagna the bugler as he played taps at the grave site of a Spanish American War soldier. Francis Murphys father also fought in the Spanish American War.

Commander: Present Arms

                      Retire the Colors

Commander: Thanked everyone for attending this solemn memorial service.

Commander: Comrades Dismissed

The members of the Turner Village Church invited all the veterans and quest into its facility and served them, sandwiches, chips, desserts, beverages and old fashion Maine hospitality.

Pictures for this article were provided by Paul Bernard and Frederick Cilley.

Story: In December of 2006, Department of Maine Membership Director, Robert "Bob" Morrill, Department of Maine, Judge Advocate, Gard Enman and Chaplain Paul R. Bernard of Post 22 Lewiston began the revitalization of Post 111 of Turner that was first chartered in 1920 and ceased activities in 1941. The nearest Post to Turner was the John D. Long Post 58 of Buckfield. The Buckfield post was concerned about membership as they had many members from Turner.

Robert "Bob" Morrill and Chaplain Paul R. Bernard met with the Buckfield Post and discussed the plans of the revitalization of the Turner Post. The Chaplain assured the Buckfield Post that the Revitalization of the Turner Post was not a step in separating Buckfield from Turner but a step of strengthening the two communities as a strong arm of the American Legion Family. Bob Morrill and Chaplain Bernard did not accept any transfers from any post until the fifteen members needed to file for the temporary charter were obtained. Of the 63 members of Post 111 only 6 were transfers that came from Buckfield. At the March 1st Installation of the Turner Memorial Post 111, Commander Warren K. Clark pledged his support in working with the Buckfield Post 58. On May 28th, 2007 members from the Turner Post joined together with the Buckfield Post to honor all Veterans of all wars and those who are presently serving today. Buckfield Post 58 Commander Richard Pope requested that Chaplain Paul Bernard present the Memorial Day address at the event.

Joe Velozo of Post 111 is holding the United States Flag along side a member of the Buckfield Post

As the parade came to a halt in front of the Buckfield Library you can see 1st Vice Commander Harris Bradeen and Frederick Cilley both of the Turner Memorial Post 111 and Commander Richard Pope and Chaplain Paul Bernard standing in front of the Honor Roll sign. In his Memorial Day address the Chaplain said;

Today is a special day and throughout our nation's history, young Americans have left the comfort and security of their families and homes to preserve our freedom and extend the blessings of freedom to others. All Americans are grateful to those who have served in the past and those who are now serving in our armed forces. Memorial Day is a solemn day not a day to glorify war but a day to recognize the sacrifices of all veterans which gave his or her family and friends an opportunity to enjoy a life style of freedom, democracy and prosperity. The 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918 was not marked by the roar of cannons. Rather, it was the moment the guns were silenced by courage, devotion to duty, and commitment to freedom. The virtues that brought that silence echo throughout our history, so it's appropriate that Memorial Day now honors and remembers all who have defended our nation, from Lexington and Concord through Gettysburg, Verdun, Iwo Jima, Normandy, Korea, Vietnam, Kuwait, Kosovo, and today in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Whether in the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard, or Merchant Marine, or regular forces, the National Guard or reserves, they wear the uniform not of conqueror, but of liberator. The men and women honored and remembered today paid the price for our freedom in times of conflict, and are our shield in times of peace. We honor those who paid the ultimate price. We honor those who lived beyond their years of military service, but have since passed on. And we honor those with us today.

We owe them all a great debt. We repay this debt, with the gratitude we express today, but only in part. Today, more than 24 million Americans wear the proud title of veteran, including more than 3.5 million from World War II, 11 million from the Korean and Vietnam wars, and 3.8 million who served in the Persian Gulf.

And today, it is still possible to thank, in person, those Americans who wore the uniform when the guns of previous wars fell silent. Some 1.5 million Americans have served in our all-volunteer forces in Afghanistan and Iraq. In addition to our gratitude, we must also repay our debt with the health care, rehabilitation services, educational and employment opportunities our veterans have earned by their service to our country. My fellow Americans, the gratitude you feel for our fallen comrades is steeped in history, and is also personal.

You have been privileged and have had a father, brother, sister, uncle, aunt neighbor and friend serve this great nation. The generations before us provided all of us who came later with an inspiring view from their strong shoulders. From that vantage point, we learned the burden of service must be borne willingly and modestly. We have learned challenges must be met and threats confronted. We have an obligation to take those lessons to heart, and provide strong shoulders for the generations to come. Americans love peace. When we do go to war, it is with reluctance. The Americans we honor and remember today fought for the security of our nation, and for benefit of all mankind. They humbled tyrants, defended the innocent, and freed the oppressed. Those who serve today - the veterans of tomorrow - carry on this great mission.They, like those who came before, have earned our deepest thanks, not just on Memorial Day, but for all the days to come. God Bless our men and women who are now serving. And God bless the USA

As the parade neared the Buckfield Library you can see members of the Buckfield Post 58 sitting on the utility trailer.

Pictured: A utility trailer belonging to the Chaplain was restored by students of the Leavitt high School, Industrial Arts class. A good friend and Korean War Veteran, Arthur Paradis, Sergeant of arms for the Lewiston Post 22 made the soldier for the Chaplain.

Pictured are members of the Turner Memorial Post 111. Joe Velozo, Harris Bradeen, Paul Turgeon and Frederick Cilley

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