AUBURN — Officers of the William J. Rogers Post 153 will serve a memorial breakfast at the American Legion, 71 South Main St., between 8 and 10 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 21.

It was 12 years ago that the bombing of the USS Cole DDG67 took place, resulting in the death of 17 sailors. Thirty-nine others were injured in the attack that was the deadliest against a U.S. Naval vessel since the Iraqi attack on the USS Stark on May 17, 1987. The terrorist organization al-Qaeda claimed responsibility for the attack.

It is also the 29th anniversary of the Oct. 23 Beirut Bombing in 1983, when two truck bombs struck separate buildings housing United States and French military forces — members of the Multinational Force in Lebanon — killing 299 American and French servicemen, 220 marines, 18 sailors and three soldiers, along with 60 Americans injured. The organization Islamic Jihad claimed responsibility for the bombing.

“It may be 12 to 29 years ago when these comrades paid the ultimate price for freedom but to us it seems like yesterday and we must never forget their sacrifice,” said Paul Bernard, public relations officer.

The menu will consist of scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, home fries, baked beans, white or wheat toast and the military’s infamous S.O.S. with Army coffee and juice, plus an old Beaulieu family recipe for crepes that has been passed down for generations from Quebec and earlier from France.

S.O.S., which was used since 1935 in the U.S. Army, is also known as “stew on a shingle” or another, less-polite version, or also “same old stuff.” It is comprised of a creamy white sauce and rehydrated slivers of dried beef or chopped sausage. S.O.S. was emblematic of the military experience.

The cost is $6 for adults, $4 for children under 12.

All money raised supports the post home and American Legion programs. For information on membership, contact Commander Dave Richardson at 782-1118 or email www.legionpost153.org or send mail to New Auburn American Legion, William Rogers Post 153, 71 South Main St., Auburn, ME 04210.