MECHANIC FALLS – The United States flag symbolizes duty, service and freedom for members of the American Legion.

As part of its 85th birthday celebration Saturday, American Legion Post 150 honored Mike Maberry for sharing their values. Post Commander Gary Purrington presented Maberry with a Citizenship Award for Maberry’s successful efforts to instate the Pledge of Allegiance in Poland Regional High School. The presentation marked the first time that the recipient was not an adult, said Purrington.

“There was no question about it that Mike deserved this award,” said Purrington. “It was very courageous of him to do what he did.”

Maberry, a sophomore from Mechanic Falls, initiated a student effort last year to allow the daily reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance at his high school. After a lengthy process of vetting by several committees, Maberry’s proposal became reality in February.

And the awards kept coming.

“It isn’t every day that we have a young man that stands up and says I will be counted,” said Donald Simoneau, the state’s Department of Americanism officer.

Simoneau presented Maberry with this year’s Americanism reward and recounted a 1969 speech by the late comedian Red Skelton, who warned that the Pledge would some day be considered a prayer and removed from schools. “I say thank you, and I think all of America says thank you,” said Simoneau.

State Rep. Ted Heidrich, R-Oxford, a Korean War veteran, and state Rep. Lois Snowe-Mello, R-Poland, honored Maberry with a sentiment from the Maine Legislature, which is an honor given to citizens for special occasions or outstanding efforts.

Also honoring Maberry was the Ladies Auxiliary of Post 150, which gave the Mechanic Falls youth a savings bond in honor of his stand for the Pledge of Allegiance.

“I had no idea about all of this,” said Maberry after the ceremonies. “I thought we were invited to dinner and that they would probably say a little something about the pledge.”

Maberry’s parents and younger brother led the applause each time the youth walked to the front podium. Recognizing the importance of history and respect for the country has always been part of the Maberrys’ values and family conversations, said Tracey Maberry during a previous interview. “I am so proud of him,” she said. “And I’m glad that so many people have shown support for Mike.”

Purrington, a veteran of Vietnam, said that he believed patriotism and support for American service men and women remained high, despite fluctuating poll results concerning the U.S. war in Iraq. His local post currently has 268 members, about 100 auxiliary members, and 70 members of Sons of American Legionnaires.

“I don’t think that we’re a dying organization,” said Purrington. “There is a new generation of members joining. It takes time, but I believe that the public stands behind our veterans.”