From left, Past National Commander George Castle of New Briton, Connecticut, swears in Lewiston Post Commander Jerry Dewitt as the Franco American War Veterans Inc. next national commander. The ceremony was held Sept. 18 during the 89th national convention held Sept. 18 in Auburn. Contributed photo

The Franco American War Veterans Inc. elected Jerry Dewitt, Lewiston post commander, as its next national commander.

The 89th national convention was held Sept. 18 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Auburn. Swearing in Dewitt was Past National Commander George Castle from New Briton, Connecticut.

Dewitt works at Tri-County Mental Health, where he handles outreach for veterans and military families.

Mayor Mark Cayer welcomed the veterans and their families to Maine, along with past State Rep. Bettyanne Sheets. She is a graduate of United States Military Academy also known as West Point. Her husband, the Rev. George Sheets, gave the invocation and prayers.

James Thibodeau, a bagpiper, led the five past national commanders into the banquet room playing “The Bluebells of Scotland.” The honored guest was World War II veteran Del Gendron, who along with Mark Morin from Connecticut received Quilts of Valor and Franco Service canes.

The speaker was from Wreaths across America, whose educational traveling classroom was on display for the public to attend.

Gov. Janet Mills has also appointed Dewitt as one of her aide de camps.

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