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. For more information, log on to the Chaplain’s Desk at www.maineamericanlegion.com.

Any veteran interested in becoming a member of the Legion and being involved in the Americanism programs can call 225-3285.