Veteran banner

project support

is sought

PUTNAM — The Mayotte-Viens American Legion Post #13, fresh off its success with the flags on the Veterans Memorial Bridge on Pomfret Street, is in the process of finalizing plans for its next veterans’ recognition project.

Post #13 in conjunction and cooperation with the Town of Putnam is preparing to raise 29 banners throughout the walking area of downtown Putnam.  The banners, which measure 60” x 30”, will feature photos of local veterans who served during WWII and the Korean Conflict.

The cost of each banner, which is being created locally by Chase Graphics in Putnam, is $80.  The majority of the costs are being absorbed by a spaghetti dinner fund-raiser this past spring that was put on by the Putnam After School Services students under the leadership of Sue Allard.  “We’re deeply indebted to Sue Allard and the students for their hard work and dedication in raising the necessary funds for the project.  The spirit they engendered was very meaningful to the entire membership of Post #13,” said Ronald P. Coderre, commander of Post 13.

Anyone interested in supporting the project may do so by mailing a check to American Legion Post #13, P.O. Box 123, Putnam, CT 06260-0123.

The banners are scheduled to be raised on Sept. 1 thanks to the effort of Putnam Recreation Director Willie Bousquet and Town Public Works Director Jerry Beausoleil and the people in their departments.  They’ll remain on display until after Veterans Day.

“When we were approached by the veterans we immediately thought this was a great project.  As community departments this is a way we can support viable community organizations and worthwhile projects,” said Bousquet.

Working with Commander Coderre on the committee are Past Commander Norman “Barney” Seney and former Post Chaplain Donald Steinbrick, as well as Past Sons of American Legion Squadron Commander Arthur E. “Buster” Corey Jr.

WWIII and Korean Conflict veterans who’ll be honored include: Raymond Aucoin, David Beausoleil, Leo Beausoleil, Chester Benoit, Joseph Carrier, Robert “Bob” Clemens, Gerard “Gerry” Cotnoir, Joseph Cournoyer, Francis Crabtree, Adelard Dubreil, Robert Harris, Fred Hedenberg, Armand Joly, Romeo Leo, Paul J. Levesque, Victor E. Lippiello, Floyd “Nick” Loomis, Charles “Chuck” Mahoney, Paul Martell, Sr., Frank A. McNally, Lester Parker, George S. Shaw, Barbara Smith, Norman Sponcey, Russell R. St. Jean, Peter G. Trama, Richard L. Turcotte, Richard “Dick” Waters, and William “Willie” Zamagni.