LEWISTON — On June 14 members of the American Legion William J. Rogers Post 153 participated in the Neighborhood Flag Day Ceremony at Raymond Park. On behalf of Post 153, Public Relations Officer Paul R. Bernard thanked Leroy Walker, city councilor from Ward 5, and Tizz Crowley, city councilor from Ward 1, for organizing the event.

Mitchell Clyde Thomas started the evening singing “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

Also recognized were Lewiston Mayor Robert MacDonald, Auburn Mayor Jonathan P. LaBonte and representatives from Sen. Lois A. Snowe Mello’s and Congressman Mike Michaud’s offices. Also recognized were Larry Pelletier, who read the history of Flag Day;  Steve Martelli, who read the history of the flag; the Auburn Fire Department, Auburn Police Department and special speaker Ms. Bettyann Sheats, a graduate from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1984. She trained and served as a Black Hawk helicopter maintenance test pilot and helicopter maintenance platoon leader.

Bernard also thanked Commander Willie Danforth and the Franco American War Veterans Color Guard unit for their participation in the program.

The William J. Rogers Color Guard unit was also present and lowered the old tattered flag and raised the new flag for the event. Sergeant at Arms Don Beaulieu led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance with past commander Dick Brown, Commander David Richardson, Second vice Commander Colby Dill and Finance Officer Tibby Dupuis. The post members also served hot dogs, hamburgers and refreshments to more than 100 people.

Beth Shields represented the Gold Star Mothers.

Copy the Story Link