FARMINGTON — Members of Roderick-Crosby American Legion Post 28, state dignitaries and family gathered Saturday, April 15, to recognize those with 35 years or more of continuous membership in the organization.

The program, Salute to Service [S2S], was planned by Peter Tracy, membership chairman, who came up with the concept of the recognition ceremony several years ago; but the coronavirus pandemic stalled his plans, Commander Stephan Bunker said. Bunker thanked Tracy and others who collaborated to make the vision a reality.

“In the American Legion, we often focus on what we do,” Bunker noted. “And often, what we do has a lot to do with who we are. The American Legion’s vision statement is Veterans Strengthening America and I firmly believe that America is stronger because of its veterans.”

Veterans serve not only the nation, but their communities, Bunker said.

“I often reflect on our post’s history and what those veterans returning from The Great War must have experienced not only in conflict but in their transition back into their families and communities,” Bunker noted. “The Great War, at its time, was believed to be the war to end all wars. The horrors of the war sparked a determined resolve by our post founders to continue fighting for those still in uniform, and for those, like themselves, who returned home forever changed by their wartime experiences.

“We know who we are. Our post members stand among giants in our communities. Many have served and continue to serve in community leadership roles, operating small businesses, contributing incalculable hours of volunteerism to benefit the greater good. The devotion to mutual helpfulness is practiced and perfected at each turn.”

Within Post 28, members have combined service totaling more than 14 centuries, Bunker noted.

“The Legionnaires we honor and celebrate today are loyalists to our cause and benefactors of our future,” he said. “We recognize their contributions not only in their military service but of that to our post and community. Each of these Legionnaires give of themselves to mold our post in appearance of their shared vision.”

Service men and women face special problems most citizens don’t understand, American Legion Department Commander Patrick Mitchell said. “These issues can act like a tangled vine and immobilize a person,” he noted. Commemorating these Legionnaires for their service is truly significant, you are all hall of famers, he stated.

Not everyone can make it to the top, just keeping on keeping on takes courage, Mitchell noted. Don’t be too hard on yourself, life has a lot of chapters, wind yourself up again and again [like a clock], he said.

Mitchell then recognized 96-year old Wallace Edmund Burbine, who served in the Navy during World War II, Korea and Vietnam.

State Commander Kirk Thurston then spoke.

“As the certificate you are about to receive states, you will have been a member in good standing continuously,” Thurston said. “Further, no such record of consistent loyalty to the American Legion merits the honor of being cited as an outstanding contributor to the accomplishment of the programs of the American Legion whether it’s this post, department or national. That says a lot right there. I thank you folks for being an inspiration.”

There are 170 American Legion posts in Maine, each one is different, Thurston noted. “Do not be afraid to be different,” he added.

“Every day should be Veterans Day,” Tracy said. “We all take an oath to defend the country. Remember, it takes seven to 10 rear echelon people to keep the front line people going.

“Since 1776, when we fought for our freedom, there are an estimated 43 million veterans. That’s a lot, that’s crazy.”

As of 2018, there were 18 million veterans still alive and 1.4 million on active duty, Tracy noted. Since 1776, 1.3 million Americans died while on active duty – the population of Maine – and 1.8 million got wounded by the bad guys, received Purple Hearts, he said. Think of all the families, he stated.

“Every veteran who serves signs a blank check for up to and including life and limb,” Tracy said. “Thankfully, most don’t get cashed.” He noted firefighters and law enforcement officers have similar commitments. These men and women serve around the world so we can pursue life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, this is why every day should be Veterans Day, he added.

Korean veteran Norman Ferrari had been a member for 71 years. He passed away recently, but was recognized for his membership. World War II veteran Francis Paling, who could not attend, was honored for 66 years.

Others with 35 years membership or more who received service awards were Colon Durrell, Stephen Harris, Horace LaBree, Marcel Langlais, Cliff Norton, Dick Peters, Peter Tracy, C.W. Walker and Paul Twitchell.

Those 11 members combined had 512 continuous years of membership.

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