TURNER — At a recent Poisson family gathering, L and A Veterans Council Chairman Paul Bernard presented World War II veteran Henry B. Poisson with an Eagle Cane.

The Eagle Cane was carved by the Coastal Carvers. The decorative cane, topped with an eagle head, is part of a national initiative started in Oklahoma to honor veterans. Coastal Carvers burned Poisson’s name below the eagle’s head, then placed the medals received by Poisson and below that placed an American flag.

The Maine Wood Carvers group has produced nearly 200 Eagle Canes made of ash. The Maine Woodturners, as well as some Capital Carvers, also create the wood adapters that fit between the eagle head and the rest of the dowel.  

Sergeant Henry B. Poisson saw plenty of combat during his tour of duty with the 150th Engineers A Company. He was awarded the Silver Star, Bronze Star and the British Military Medal.

Present at the family gathering were Henry and Doris Poisson; their children, Doug Flanagan from California, Kay Flanagan, John Poisson and his wife Rhonda, Joe Poisson and his wife Maureen, Cheryl (Poisson) Washburn and Steven Lunt, all from Maine; grandsons, Chris and Sarah Flanagan from Texas, Jarrett and Jackey (Bailey) Poisson, Travis and Nichole Poisson, Ross Poisson and Becky Kennison, Brett and Sarah Poisson, Tim Washburn and Kevin Washburn; great-grandchildren, Aidan and Brendan Flanagan, Elicia and Daxtyn Poisson; and friends, Marie and Bob Duncan.

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