AUBURN — The American Legion, William J. Rogers Post 153 will host a 40th anniversary celebration breakfast from 8 to 10 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 20, in celebration of the Vietnam ceasefire.

“It’s important for us to remember the sacrifices of all veterans.” said American Legion Commander Dave Richardson, “and that is why we are remembering the nearly 59,000 veterans who lost their lives in Vietnam.”

“On Jan. 15, 1973, President Richard Nixon ordered a ceasefire of the aerial bombings in North Vietnam. The decision came after Dr. Henry Kissinger, the National Security Affairs advisor to the president, returned to Washington from Paris France with a draft peace proposal. Combat missions continued in South Vietnam,” said Paul R. Bernard, public relations officer. “By Jan. 27, 1973, all warring parties in the Vietnam War signed a ceasefire as a prelude to the Paris Peace Accord.”

According to Bernard, the date is also the 45th anniversary of the Tet Offensive, which was a military campaign during the Vietnam War that was launched on Jan. 30, 1968 by forces of the People’s Army of Vietnam against the forces of the Republic of Vietnam (South Vietnam), the United States and their allies. The purpose of the offensive was to utilize the element of surprise and strike military and civilian command and control centers throughout South Vietnam, during a period when no attacks were supposed to take place.

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 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, served on toasted bread, English muffins, biscuits, home fries, rice and in casseroles, can also be flavored with Worcestershire sauce and dried parsley. S.O.S. was emblematic of the military experience.

The cost for the meal is $6 adults, $4 children under 12. All money raised supports veteran programs.

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

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