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Caption, page 7:
Top: Alternate National Executive Committeeman Robert Murray addresses the Post #13 gathering at the Black Dog Bar and Grille. Above:
George Viens. Post #13 riflemen Curt Prochowski, left, and Charlie Leach prepare to fire a volley in memory of Rev. Anselm Mayotte and Cpl. George Viens. Courtesy photos.
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Post #13 's
centennial
celebration
a success
PUTNAM — The Mayotte-Viens American Legion Post #13 of Putnam celebrated its 100th anniversary with two recent events.
Post #13 was officially chartered on July 7, 1919. It is the sixth oldest Post in Connecticut and one of the oldest in the nation. The American Legion organization was founded on March 15, 1919, shortly following the end of WWI.
July 7 more than 150 people gathered at St. Mary of the Visitation Cemetery for ceremonies at the gravesites of The Rev. Anselm J. Mayotte and U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. George R. Viens. Ceremonies commemorating the lives of these two brave men who gave their lives in defense of the country started with the singing of the National Anthem by Putnam native Linda Colangelo.
A graveside service was conducted by The Very Rev. David Choquette, pastor of St. Mary Parish, and included prayers and a blessing of each grave. The colors of the country were presented by the Post #13 Color Guard under the leadership of Captain Charles Leach. Words of greeting were given at each site by Post Commander Brian D. Maynard. Taps was played by Putnam High School graduate Tyler Eddy.
Ronald P. Coderre, past commander of Post #13 and incoming commander of District #4, was Master of Ceremony. He presented a recollection of each man including words about their valiant service. Father Mayotte was a chaplain during WWI who died of influenza and bronchopneumonia incurred while serving on the front lines with the troops. Cpl. Viens died in WWII at Guadalcanal from a Japanese sniper’s bullet.
Ceremonies followed at the Black Dog Restaurant for tributes to the Post recognizing its long and meritorious service to the Putnam community. U.S. Representative Joseph Courtney of the Connecticut 2nd Congressional District congratulated the Post on its 100 years of existence. He presented a flag that was flown over the U.S. Capitol in Washington D.C. and a Congressional citation to Commander Maynard.
State Representative Rick L. Hayes of the Connecticut 51st Assembly District presented a proclamation on behalf of Gov. Ned Lamont. Hayes was joined at the podium by 50th District Representative Pat Boyd and 44th District Representative Ann Dauphinais. Town of Putnam Mayor Norman “Barney” Seney presented a proclamation declaring the month of July as American Legion Post #13 month in the Putnam.
The American Legion Department of Connecticut was represented by Past State Commander and State Centennial chairman W. Frazier Brinley; Robert Murray, National Alternate executive committeeman, and Jeffrey DeClerck, outgoing District #4 commander.
Colangelo sang a musical tribute to the six branches of the military and finished with a stunning rendition of Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the USA.”
All guests received a recently written history of Post #13, which included biographies and photos of Father Mayotte and Cpl. Viens. The commemorative booklet also included a listing of every commander of Post #13 from 1919 through 2019, as well as photos of past and current Post officers and activities.
The celebration began July 5 with the installation of the Post #13 officers for the 2019-2020 year; Brian D. Maynard, commander; Michael S. Vassar, senior vice commander; Charles Leach, post adjutant; Eric Quinn, post finance officer; Chas MacKenzie, historian; Norman “Barney” Seney, veterans service officer; Christopher Burke, judge advocate; Marc J. Coderre Sr., chaplain; Victor J. Kratz, sergeant-at-arms.
Department of Connecticut officials on hand included State Commander Thomas Flowers, Past District #4 Commander Perry Caldwell along with Robert Murray and Jeffrey DeClerck.
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