swearingin

American Legion to install at Turner
Tuesday, February 27, 2007

TURNER - Turner Memorial Post 11, American Legion, will install officers at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 1, at Leavitt Area High School, Lower Street.
In June of 1920, 15 men formed Turner Post 111. Five were sworn in as officers. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, the members closed the post to join the war and there has been no record of it reorganizing at the close of World War II.
This year 53 have reformed the post and seven will take the oath of office. Two are women: Kelly J. Cooper Arsenault will serve as the post adjutant and Jonnie L. Jordan will serve as the historian.

Other officers are John Leforest Jordan, Sergeant-at-Arms, Harris L. Bradeen, 1st Vice Commander, Paul R. Bernard, Chaplain, Historian and Publicity Officer, Warren K. Clark, Commander, Kelly J. Cooper Arsenault, Adjutant and Finance Officer, Ronald E. Hiscock, service officer.
American Legion Department of Maine Commander Donald Simoneau will officiate at the ceremony. Commander Richard Pope and Adjutant Gloria Hall, both of the Buckfield Legion Post 58, along with other members will be present with Department of Maine Judge Advocate Gard Enman and State Membership Director Robert Morrill.
The post chaplain is looking for any individual or group interested in singing the National Anthem and "God Bless America" for the event. Members are also looking for businesses willing to donate pastries.
The Turner Memorial Post invites members of the community to attend.

Legion post installs officers
Wednesday, March 7, 2007

The new Turner American Legion Post officers took the oath recently. From the left are John L. Jordan, sergeant-at-arms; Harris L. Bradeen, first vice commander; Paul R. Bernard, chaplain; Warren K. Clark, commander; Kelly J. Arsenault, adjutant; and Ronald E. Hiscock, service officer.

Legion post installs officers

TURNER - The Turner Memorial Post 111, American Legion, installed its officers during a recent ceremony led by Department of Maine Commander Donald Simoneau.
Assisting as sergeant-at-arms was District 3 Commander Gary Purrington and Department of Maine Judge Advocate Gard Enman.
Pam Poisson sang the "Star Spangled Banner" and "God Bless America." Legion officers attended from Buckfield, Dryden, Farmington, Lewiston, Livermore Falls, Mechanic Falls, Minot, Turner and Waterville.
The officers are John L. Jordan, sergeant-at-arms; Harris L. Bradeen, first vice commander; Paul R. Bernard, chaplain; Warren K. Clark, commander; Kelly J. Arsenault, adjutant; and Ronald E. Hiscock, service officer.
District 3 Vice Commander Kenneth Bouchard and Service Officer Jesse Pierce, Post 58 Commander Richard Pope, Post 58 Adjutant Gloria Hall and Timmy Robbins, Amvets representative, were also present as were Turner Selectmen Dennis Richardson and Charlie Mock.
The post will meet at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 15, at the Leavitt Institute Building Community Room when State Department Service Officer Robert Owen, will speak on veterans' benefits. Charlotte Wing, State Department Auxiliary first vice commander, will discuss the importance of the auxiliary.
All members and their wives are encouraged to attend. A potluck supper is scheduled.

60 Days

Sixty days after receiving the fifteen members needed to file for a charter, the Turner Memorial Post 111 installed it’s officers. Other than the first fifteen members that formed the Turner Post 111 back in June of 1920 there are no historical records of any other officers for the Post.

The American Legion Department of Maine Commander, Donald Simoneau officiated the ceremony. Commander Don Simoneau congratulates Chaplain Paul Bernard. Visitors came from Buckfield, Dryden, Farmington, Lewiston, Livermore Falls, Mechanic Falls, Minot, Turner, and Waterville.

The Department of Maine, Judge Advocate, Gard Enman, State Membership Director, Robert “Bob” Morrill and Paul R. Bernard, American Legion Chaplain spent their weekends in December knocking on doors looking for veterans in Turner. Their efforts paid off sixty days latter with a membership roll of fifty seven members.

Chaplain and Historian, Paul R. Bernard and Department of Maine, Judge Advocate, Gard Enman, Post 66, celebrate the success of the revitalization of the Turner Memorial Post 111. Missing was State Membership Director, Robert "Bob" Morrill who was unable to attend due to health reasons.

The newly sworn in Commander. Warren K. Clark in his address outlined his goals for the remainder of the year. Here is what he said.

Good Evening,

On behalf of the members of Post 111,

I would like to again express our gratitude to all of you for attending this special Historical Event for the American Legion and the Town of Turner.

All of the 57 members of Post 111 are proud to be a part of Turner’s History.

A Special Thank you to the Department of Maine Judge Advocate, Gard Enman,

and State Membership Director, Robert “Bob” Morrill for spearheading the re-activation of the Turner Memorial Post 111.

We especially want to thank, Commander Don Simoneau, for being a part of this historic event and giving us the charge.

Our goals for the remainder of the year are to serve our community through the American Legion programs.

Also to establish an American Legion Auxiliary for Post 111.

Also to build a strong relationship with the Buckfield Legion Post 58 and begin making plans for the Buckfield Memorial Day Parade and the Turner Fourth of July Parade.

The Turner Memorial Post 111 would like to thank the Buckfield Post 58 for the many years of service you have provided to Turner.

We also want to send out a special thanks to the Leavitt Institute Building Committee, for providing the Turner Memorial Post with a beautiful meeting room at the Leavitt Institute Building and Superintendant, Thomas Hanson and Assistant Principal Michael Haley for allowing us to use this beautiful facility tonight.

We also want to thank Wal-Mart, Super Shaw’s, and Hannaford Brothers, and Pepsi Cola for their donations for tonight’s event.

A special thank you for all the wives who provided the pastries and filled the finger rolls we are about to indulge in.

In closing, Another of our goals as a post is to purchase the United States, State of Maine, American Legion and POW/MIA flag displays along with four carrying belts for the parades which will cost us $658.00 of which we already have over $100.00 in donations. Anyone interested in donating for this cause you can place a donation in the United We Stand bucket in the back of the room. Again, thank you for your attendance and enjoy the refreshments.

Chaplain, do you have a closing prayer? The Chaplain stated that there are many ways to pray. One of his most recent prayers was, “Help!”.

He asked Pam Poisson of Post 28 Auxiliary and an American Legion Rider to assist him as they were going to sing their closing Prayer. Pam also sang the Star Spangle Banner at the Opening of the ceremony. Pam's dad had seen the article in the Sun Journal and told her that the Chaplain was looking for someone to sing the patriotic songs at the ceremony. Although Pam has a busy schedule she did not hesitate to volunteer her services for the special historical event. Her service to God and Country was greatly appreciated.

God Bless America,
Land that I love.
Stand beside her, and guide her
Thru the night with a light from above.
From the mountains, to the prairies,
To the oceans, white with foam
God bless America, My home sweet home.

Other American Legion Officers from the Department of Maine present were:

3rd District Commander, Gary Purrington, MechanicFalls Minot Post 150.

3^rd District Vice Commander, Kenneth Bouchard, George Bunten Post 10, Livermore Falls.

3^rd District Service Officer, Jesse Pierce, Mechanic Falls, Minot Post 150. To the left of the Chaplain you can see Squadron 28 Sons Of the Legion Commander, David Poisson

5^th District, Post 58 Commander, Richard Pope, Buckfield and Post 58, Buckfield, Adjutant, Gloria Hall

Timmy Robbins, Amvets

Buckfield Post 58 Service Officer, Merton Jones

Post 28, Farmington, Past Commander E. Munroe Hawkins

Squadron 28 Sons Of the Legion Commander, David Poisson

Chairman of Town of Turner Selectman, Dennie Richardson

Francis L. Murphy, 80 years Old is still proud of being a Marine. Francis father, Cornelius J. Murphy fought in the Spanish American War and is buried at the Mount Hope Cemetery in Lewiston. Francis fought in the second World War, Korea and Vietnam (tri-vet). His patriotism is exceptional. He served from 1944 to 1968. Check out the back of his Tee Shirt he purchased at the Brunswick Naval Air Station.

I believe in the United States of America as a government of the people, by the people, for the people, whose just powers are derived from the consent of the governed; a democracy in a republic; a sovereign nation of many sovereign states; a perfect union, one and inseparable; established upon those principles of freedom, equality, justice, and humanity for which American patriots sacrificed their lives and fortunes. I therefore believe it is my duty to my country to love it; to support its constitution; to obey its laws; to respect its flag; and to defend it against all enemies.

Pictured are 1st Vice Commander Harris L. Bradeen, Commander Warren K. Clark, Chaplain and Public Relations Historian, Paul R. Bernard, Androscoggin Bank, Turner Branch Manager, Mrs. Lena Hann, Senior Vice President, Androscoggin Bank, Mr. Bill Denehy, Assistant Branch Manager, Turner, Mrs. Debbie Paradie, Turner Memorial Post 111, Sergeant of Arms, John L. Jordan, Turner Post 111 member, Frederick M. Cilley.

As Commander Clark holds the United States Flag, 1st Vice Commander Harris L. Bradeen and Chaplain Paul R. Bernard prepare.

Pictured above, the 1st Vice Commander Harris L Bradeen and Chaplain Paul R. Bernard testing the Haylard then securing the Canton and raising it to the Heading and attaching the snap hook and then hoist the Halyard until the American Flag reaches the top truck and Finial.

Often citizens have asked us the same questions of Flag Description and Terminology.

Canton: Blue field, white stars, also known as field or jack.

Cleat: The device used to secure the bottom of the flagpole halyard.

Finial: A decorative top for a flag pole, often an eagle, spear or ball.

Flash Collar: The cover for the base of the pole, used for cosmetic and protective purposes.

Foundation Tube: Cylinder tube used as a form for the concrete base of an in-ground flag pole.

Grommet: Brass ring or eyelet (normally in the heading) for mounting outdoor flags.

Halyard: Rope used to raise the flag; can be external and tied to a cleat, or internal.

Heading: Heavy fabric used to secure flag to the halyard line, usually made of durable cotton or synthetic canvas.

Hoist End: The part of the flag that attaches to the halyard.

Roped Heading: A flag where the hoisted end is reinforced with a rope throughout the heading.

Snap Hooks: Hardware made either brass or molded nylon to attach the flag to the halyard line.

Truck: The device at the top of an outdoor pole that houses the pully wheel.

If you have questions on determining flag size:

The length of the flag should be at least ¼ the height of the pole.

Example: A 40’ pole requires a 6X10 flag or larger.

This guideline applies to poles 20’ and larger.

Most residential flags are 3x5 or 4x6.

Most small industrial and commercial buildings use either a 5x8 or a 6x10 flag.

Major industrial, municipal and government buildings require 8x12 and larger.

However, the size of the pole is the determining factor.

Flagpole Flag

20’ 3x5, 4x6

25’ 4x6, 5x8

30’- 35’ 5x8, 6x10

40’- 45’ 6x10, 8x12

50’ 8x12, 10x15

60’ – 65’ 10x15, 10x19

70’ – 80’ 10x19, 12x18

90’ – 100’ 20x38, 30x50

An article in the Sun Journal read:

Legion post replaces flag at Turner bank
Tuesday, March 20, 2007

TURNER - Turner Memorial Post 111, American Legion, First Vice Commander Harris Bradeen, Commander Warren Clark and Chaplain Paul Bernard officiated at the installation of the United States Flag March 12 at the Androscoggin Bank, Route 4.
When the Turner post opened its bank account at the bank branch, Bernard asked why there was no flag on the flag pole. He was told that someone cut the rope and stole the flag along with the nylon snap hooks one night.

Bernard said he asked Jim Pitman of Jim's Auto Sales and Rent it of Maine, Center Street, Auburn, for help. Pitman allowed the chaplain to use a bucket truck to re-thread the rope. The chaplain then purchased the snap hooks and a flag out of the Chaplain's Fund and the Turner Memorial Post 111 members returned the Stars and Stripes to the bank.
Bank Senior Vice President Bill Deneby expressed his gratitude to the Turner Memorial Post members for their kind act and commitment to Americanism.

The chaplain also received a letter from the branch manager stating: "On behalf of the entire team of Androscoggin Bank, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for taking the time to provide and raise the American flag in front of our branch this morning. It has been absent way too long and there is a peaceful sense about the branch now that we again display the flag. Our customers are very excited about it as well."
Bernard also accepts unserviceable flags to be disposed of by the proper code. Unserviceable flags are accepted daily from 1 to 6 p.m. at the barber shop on Lower Street.

Any veteran interested in becoming a member of the American Legion and being involved in the Americanism programs can call any American Legion post.

Legion Posts join for Community Events

Friday, March 23, 2007

TURNER - The Turner Memorial Post 111 and the Buckfield Post 58, American Legion, will meet at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 5, at the Leavitt Institute Building's Community Room.

Members will discuss the Buckfield, Memorial Day parade and the Turner 4th of July parade as well as other Legion programs.

The Buckfield Post members have conducted Legion programs and veteran events for the town of Turner for years. Legion baseball and the Turner Fourth of July parade are among the events sponsored by the Buckfield Post.

With the revitalization of the Turner Memorial Post 111, Chaplain Paul Bernard has pledged to work together for the betterment of the Buckfield and Turner communities as well as the American Legion

Turner American Legion Post Re-Organizes

Country Connection - March 2007 Edition

Turner ~ American Legion Post #111 of Turner, Maine has recently re-organized. The first official meeting was held in the Leavitt High School cafeteria on March 1, 2007. The primary order of business was the swearing in of the new officers. Department of Maine Commander Don Simoneau was present to officiate. Members of Post #58 of Buckfield, where many of the Turner residents were members, attended the event, as did a few legionnaires from other surrounding communities. Pam Poisson of Post #28 Ladies Auxiliary sang the National Anthem. About 50 to 60 people were in attendance.

Post #111 officers sworn in were: Commander Warren Clark, First Vice Commander Harris Bradeen, Sergeant at Arms John Jordan, Adjutant Kelly Arsenault, Chaplain Paul Bernard and Service Officer Ron Hiscock. Other than the swearing in ceremony, a few brief comments were made by the new commander, Warren Clark. He announced that plans were already under way for two summer parade marches and the fund-raising for the flags and holder belts needed. He also thanked the members of other American Legion Posts for being present and supportive, and noted the donations of space and supplies by Leavitt Area High School, Shaw’s, Hannaford's, and Wal-Mart. (Photo by Bill Van Tassel)

Brief History of Post #111: Provided by Paul R. Bernard, Public Relations Historian

After WW I, fifteen men from the Town of Turner applied to the Saint Louis Caucus on May 9th, 1919 for the purpose of organizing an American Legion Post. In June of 1920 they received their charter and the new post began its activities. When WW II began for America the Turner Post ceased its activity to devote its resources (personnel) to the war effort. It was noted that their devotion to the larger cause of Americanism and Patriotism took precedence during that time of war. Following the war, Post #111 did not reorganize. Eighty-seven years later in December 2006, Judge Advocate Gard Enman and State Membership Director Robert Morrill began a campaign to revitalize the Post in Turner. They began visitations on foot to the homes of veterans in Turner. By February 15 they had found 50 veterans who were willing to join Post #111. Several of the veterans had to transfer their active memberships from other posts in Lewiston and Buckfield. Having surpassed the number of willing veterans need to get the new charter, they received permission from national headquarters to restart Post #111. At this time the new Post has 57 members.

Turner Legion raises flags for town office
Friday, March 30, 2007

The flags are flying once again at the Turner Town Office. Taking part in the ceremony, from the left, were Sergeant-at-Arms John L. Jordan, Francis L. Murphy, Henry B. Poison, Walter L. Bergman, First Vice Commander Harris L. Bradeen, Frederick M. Cilley, Commander Warren K. Clark and Chaplain Paul R. Bernard.

TURNER - Turner Memorial Post 111, American Legion, recently activated after 87 years of being dormant, has been putting Americanism into practice.
On March 12, the post reinstalled a U.S. flag at the Androscoggin Bank in Turner. After that, Chaplain Paul Bernard received a call from Roger Williams of the Turner Town Office, requesting the help of the post to restore the flags at the Town Office.
Bernard called Commander Warren K. Clark, and a team was organized. Bernard repaired the cleat and purchased the nylon snap hooks out of the chaplain's fund.
A ceremony was held under the direction of First Vice Commander Harris L. Bradeen, raising the U.S. flag and the Maine flag on March 23. Three of the post's oldest members were present.
Francis Murphy, 80, a Marine, fought in World War II, Korea and Vietnam.
Henry Poisson, 83, a decorated veteran from the 150th Engineers, while crossing the Moselle River on Sept. 9, 1944, made four trips carrying supplies and evacuating 20 wounded infantrymen to safety.
Walter Bergman, 84, crossed the Atlantic approximately 20 times and served on the Neilds also known as DD-616, which was responsible for capturing a German submarine with 51 military personnel on board.
Bernard said he later received a note from Turner Town Clerk Eva Leavitt, thanking the post. She expressed her gratitude to the American Legion and noted that their efforts were appreciated.
The Turner Memorial Post is preparing for its Thursday, April 5, meeting with the John D Long Post 58 of Buckfield. Unserviceable flags are being accepted daily from 1 to 6 p.m. at the barber shop on Lower Street in Turner.