ROTC helps honor Orono American Legion

ORONO – The Osier-Hamlin-Morris-Hurd American Legion Post 84 in Orono celebrated the American Legion birthday with a banquet attended by 75 people.

Commander Terry Wickett opened the ceremonies along with the commander of the Old Town High School JROTC, Col. Amedeo Lauria, and Cadet Capt. Daniel Wheaton.

Cadet Capt. Rachel Sargent, Cadet 1st Lt. Jennifer Sullivan, Cadet 2nd Lt. James Cyr, Cadet 2nd Lt. Ryan Grant and Cadet Platoon Sgt. Eric Roy presented and retired the colors with precision. Rachel Bergman, a junior at Orono High School, sang the national anthem.

Wickett introduced the American Legion Post 84 officers and guests. Those attending included State of Maine American Legion 1st Vice Commander Don Simoneau and Adjutant Ron Sailor, formerly a commander at Post No. 84.

The Marine Corps League of Bangor was represented by Commandant Bob Goulette and officers Skip Young, Everett Holt, Phil Eckerd and Louis Batas, who organized the Toys for Tots campaign in the local area during the Christmas holidays.

Guest speaker for the evening was Laurie Smith of the Veterans Resource Center of Husson College. She talked about the benefits available to veterans. Scott Speck, who works with Smith in the Veterans Resource Center, also attended the event.

The American Legion Women’s Auxiliary Unit 84, Marlene Doucette, Dot Thibodeau, Dot Smith and Esther Sullivan, read the story about the Four Chaplains who sacrificed their lives during World War II.