Last Saturday, high school junior Ciara Pitcher competed in the American Legion State Oratorical Contest held at Thomas College. Having won the regional contest, she was among the six finalists to compete at the state level. The contestants are required to give a 10-minute speech on the Constitution, without notes. Once this phase is completed, they are given a specific article or amendment of the Constitution and provided just 5 minutes to prepare a 3-minute speech, again without notes. While she didn’t come in first, she did a great job and represented our area extremely well. The first place winner receives a $1,500 award and goes to the National Oratorical contest in Indianapolis where the winner will receive a $18,000 scholarship.

News from VA Togus: The VA is experiencing a shortage of dialysis nurses, down from six to one. While they recruit new nurses, dialysis patients will be receiving care in the community. In 2018, Congress passed the VA Mission Act. One aspect of this law is to increase the availability of receiving care in the community, paid for by the VA. The Mission Act will go into effect on June 6 with more provided leading up to June 6.

The Vietnam War lasted from 1961 to 1975. Each year since 2011 until 2025, Vietnam veterans are experiencing their coming back from Vietnam 50 years ago. The state holds a ceremony each year to honor those who served during the Vietnam era. This year, the ceremony will be held in the Capital Hall of Flags on March 29 from 1 to 4 p.m. We still have many Vietnam veterans in our community who have not received the recognition they deserve so I hope they will be encouraged to attend.

Mark your calendar, the American Legion and Auxiliary will be having a traditional St Patrick’s Day dinner on March 16. More information will be provided as we get closer to the event. Please call 751-5672 or 633-4487 to make a registration.

Our next American Legion meeting is March 11, dinner at 5:30, meeting starts at 6. Are you a veteran and not a member? Come to the meeting and learn more about the Legion and how we serve our community.