Saco Sons of the American Legion Charter opens

The Saco Sons of the American Legion received its charter last week at a ceremony held during the monthly Saco American Legion Post #79 with 12 people in attendance including Lowell Long, American Legion Zone Commander.

"I want to thank you and congratulate you for forming a squadron of the Sons of American Legion here in Saco," he said. "It's my honor tonight to be able to present to you guys your acceptance letter and charter."

Post Commander Richard Barnard, Saco American Legion Post #79, formed in 1919, said that the Post currently has nine members ahead of the meeting last Wednesday, November 7. Todd Barnard, Post Commander Barnard's son, and Post #79 Chaplin, said he wants to be able to teach children what the United States is founded upon.

"The ins and outs and the goods and the bads," Chaplin Barnard said. "Why do we say the Pledge of Allegiance? Why do we salute the flag? Why do we celebrate Veteran's Day and veterans, especially ones from the past? I want my son, and others like him, to understand that we didn't get what we have in the country by sitting on our butts. We are this great country because someone took a bullet for us."

Nickolas, who turns 10 on November 16, was one of the SAL members in attendance. Other members of SAL and Post #79 at the Charter celebration were Post Commander Barnard, Chaplin Barnard, Aaron Albus, Jess Erickson, Jed Korman, Bill Haynes, Darrell Gairrett, Russell Menge, Donni Linn, and Secretary Dawn Jensen. Each member in attendance signed their name on the Charter certificate presented on the night.