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Honored
George P. Olson (seated) displays his 70 Year Continuous Service Certificates as he’s surrounded by family and American Legion Post #13. Left to right: Commander Alan Joslin, Jim Neeland and Past Commander Ronald P. Coderre. Post #13 presented Neeland with the U.S. Coast Guard flag that was flown on the Veterans Memorial Bridge in Putnam. Courtesy photo.
Olson honored
A former Putnam resident, George Paul Olson, who currently lives at Christopher Heights Assisted Living in Webster, was honored for 70 years continuous service in American Legion in a recent ceremony.
Olson, who recently celebrated his 96th birthday, is a WWII veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard. Olson was presented a number of certificates and mementoes by Post Commander Alan R. Joslin and Immediate Past Commander Ronald P. Coderre commemorating his membership in American Legion Post #13.
“This is a special day for Mr. Olson who is part of America’s Greatest Generation. It was men like him who preserved the freedoms that we enjoy as Americans, such as the right to vote. It’s fitting that we hold this ceremony on the day that Connecticut is holding a primary election,” Coderre said. Among the honors presented to Olson were certificates from the National Commander of American Legion and one from Post #13 honoring his 70 years of continuous service to the organization. He was also presented an American Legion lapel pin and a Post #13 coffee mug. Commander Joslin presented Olson with the original U.S. Coast Guard flag that was flown on the veterans bridge.
In September Olson will have a banner honoring his service to our country hung in downtown Putnam as Post #13 initiates its second year of honoring living veterans with its “Banner Project.” The banners will be on display from Labor Day through Veterans Day. Olson was also presented a replica of his banner. “Post #13 is proud of your service to our country. This ceremony is our way of not only recognizing you but of saying thank you for your service and long life,” said Commander Joslin.
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