This past Thursday, May 17, Representative Bruce MacDonald of Boothbay offered a "sentiment" before the Maine House of Representatives honoring the late Medal of Honor recipient Jay Zeamer, a member of Boothbay Harbor Post #36 who went to Post Everlasting on March 21, 2007. Post #36 Vice Commander Frank Helman and Adjutant/Service Officer Palmer Payne presented the United States and Maine colors at the opening ceremonies.

One last update on American Legion, Department of Maine membership. Maine is number one in the Northeast Region and fourth place in the nation. Thanks to all those who "signed up."

There is a group trying to use Memorial Day weekend as a time to "bring an end to this war." It is even recommending that signs so saying be brought to the local Memorial Day parades.

Memorial Day is a hallowed day that should be about honoring the more than one million men and women who died in the service of this nation in wars and conflicts dating back to 1775. It should be above politics.

As National Commander Paul A. Morin has said, "The families of those killed in war should not be led to believe that their loved ones died for a less-than-worthy cause. They died because they took an oath to defend their nation and its Constitution. The sacrifice is the same whether it's for a popular war or an unpopular war. Memorial Day should be an occasion to bring Americans together to honor their heroes.

Flags for veterans' gravesites were passed on at Post #36's hall on Saturday, May 19. Because of the weather, some were put in place that day; others are waiting for a dry day. The Legion thanks the volunteer flag placers. It is planned to have the flags removed on June 1 and 2.

Did you know? Veterans of Australia and New Zealand, and the nations, observe "Anzac Day" which is the equivalent of Memorial Day in the United States. The day is named for the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, which, during World War I landed at Gallipoli on the Turkish peninsula on April 25, 1915.

Over 50 people attended Post #36's buffet breakfast on Sunday, May 20. The Legion thanks them for their support. It also thanks the workers, especially the Coast Guard volunteers, and Sandra Rumery for supplying the desserts. Next breakfast will be on Sunday, June 3.

The red poppy has been a symbol of the American Legion Auxiliary since the 1920s. On Memorial Day and Veterans Day, Auxiliary members distribute poppies to the public in exchange for donations. The donated money helps provide financial assistance to veterans. To carry on the tradition and root of the poppy meaning, the Auxiliary is spreading the word of the Auxiliary poppy to our youngest citizens. Log on to http://www.legion-aux.org./ mo-Programs/Poppy/index.aspx to learn more abut the Poppy Poster contest, National Miss Poppy contest and the Miss Poppy Scrapbook contest.

Taps have sounded for Legionnaire George Kimball. The Legion extends its sympathy to his surviving family.

Latest reports on Legionnaire Joe Coombs that he's being kept busy with radiation, therapy, etc. His spirits are "upbeat."