American Legion Post 144 Events

Rifle Squad: Keven Walsh, Dennis Badore, Bob Callahan, & Bob Harkins. Gary Vitty was squad leader.	The National Anthem is sung by Kaitie Sullivan and Ben Garman sounded "Taps". .
Commander Covell holds the microphone for Patrick Demateo who recites the pledge of allegiance. His brother, Steven Dematteo posted the National Colors	Bob Harkins recites the poem, Flanders Filed.
Joe Kelley shows us the National Guard Award he and his wife received for the work they have done helping familes of soldiers..	We had a good size crowd attend this ceremony and dinner.

A big crowd came and enjoyed the food.	Veteran Peter Burrows of Brown Boar Farm in VT. and his grandson Aidan prepared the pork.

Peter Burrows of Brown Boar Farms smoking a whole pig.

Color guard: John Broadley, Bob Callahan, Keven Walsh, Ed Covell & Steve Litchfield carrying the colors.	Dennis Badore driving the truck and in the float Bob McHugh, Gary Vitty, Jack Ketterer, Doris and Marty.
Marching down Central Ave. towards the center you can see the flags on the poles that the Post installed.	Dennis Badore enjoying a cool drink after the parade at the Humarock Beach Assoc clubhouse.

Scituate American Legion Post Commander Ed Covell assembling the flags.	Fire Chief Rick Judge putting up the flags on Front ST. What a great guy for doing this!
SAL member Glenn Doyle and Legion member Steve Litchfield assembling the stage on Cole Parkway.	Old Glory flying high over Cole Parkway

USCG Captain Nagle with his uncle Jack Ketterer.	Scituate resident Peter Mehegan who read the Declaration of Independance.

Flags on the poles looking south on north end of Front St. Flags purchased by the American Legion Post	Flags on the poles loking south at the south end of Front St.

Scituate resident, Gen. George Casey Ret. with legion member Art Dunphy	General Casey with legionaire Jack Ketterer & Andre Farhat

215th Army Band	Visitors to the event.

State Representative Jim Cantwell with General Sellars of the MA National Guard	USCG helicopter kicking off the event

Zachary Brazao reading Scituate's Declaration of Independance	Keynote speaker USCG Captain Bob Whitehouse

Post 144 Rifle Squad	A couple of Scituate young ladies celebrating the 4th.

Scituate American Legion Color Guard approaching.	Post Commander Covell on the right.

Scituate Fire Department Color Guard	Scituate Police Department Color Guard

At the town hall parking lot before the parade	Ed Covell, CMDR, Scituate Post 144 American Legion speaking at Lawson Common.
Good crowd for an overcast day.	Son of American Legion, Rich McDonald.

Rich McDonald at the Oceanside Inn	Jack Gill & Ron Wheatley enjoying the day.
Jean Callahan, Mrs. Dunphy, Art Dunphy, and Steve Litchfield at the BBQ	The Food was fantasic!

Members of Post 144, the SAL, Sons of Union Veterans, and Sons of Revolutionary War veterans enjoying the days.	Another great Memorial Day - Let the summer begin!

SAL officers taking the oath.	SAL CMDR. Bob McHugh taking the oath from the Department Vice Commander John Lenotte.
SAL CMDR. Bob McHugh being presented an American Legion Certificate of Appreciation by Post 144 CMDR. Ed Covell..	The new Squadron 144 SAL contingent with DVC John Lenotte presenting the SAL their Charter to Commander McHugh. .

Sitting down, Jack Ketterer and the McCaffertys.	What a great venue!

Wayne, Dennis, and Bob	Lorraine, Dennis, Doris, and Kevin having a good time!

Mary Ford being served great tasting food.	Commander Covell thanking everyone for coming.

Steve Litchfield explaining the rules.	Jean Callahan making her way back to the table with her selection.

Prostrong provided gifts for the ladies.	My wife tells me that these productrs are very good

Commander Covell with Legionaire Tom Nash.	Fallen soldier display to honor those veterans who did not come home..

2nd Vice Commander & Navy veteran Bob Harkins on the balcony.	Veterans and guests enjoying the day..

Saluting the flag.	Post rifle squad.

Chief of Staff of the Army, General George Casey speaking about patriotism.	Before the event First Vice Commander and Historian, Bob Callahan, surveys the seating area..

Army, Arriving!	The crowds awaiting the patriotic speeches.

The Covells and Gen. Casey	Cmdr. Covell, Gen. Casey, and the student speakers.

Saluting the National Anthem	Ex Govenor, Michael Dukakis.

Steve Litchfield, State Representative, Jim Cantwell, and Bob McHugh.	Peter Mehegan, of Chronicle fame, reading the Declaration of Independance

Post Commander , Ed Covell, acknowledging a participant. Notice the beautiful carving of the eagle by Mr. Kukstis	Good picture of the dias with all the dignitaries.

Cohasset Sons of the American Legion Color Guard	Many people came to enjoy the speeches.

Joe Kelley, who lost his son Michael in Afghanistan, speaking. Mr. Kelley spoke to the idea that Freedon is not Free.	Veterans and active duty personnel enjoying a great day!

Old Glory flying high above the Town Common atop Franny Littchfield's crane operated by our good friend David Glancy.	The highest honor anyone can be bestowed. The Medal of Honor shown here belongs to Mr. Monti's son , SFC, Jared Monti, from Raynham.

August Silva, Past Cmdr. District Ten, Current Judge Advocate, District Ten greeting General Casey.	Bob Callahan, First Vice Commander and Post Historian hanging out with General Casey.

Bob Callahan and General Casey at the 'meet and greet' held at the GAR Hall on Country Way.	Great food at the GAR Hall.

Aircraft from the Air National Guard Fighter wing flying over the Town Common.

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2010 Memorial Day Wreath Laying & Parade
At 0800 hrs we assembled at the Harbormasters building on Cole Parkway and were taken out to the SA gong to lay a wreath
for all the veterans who lost their lives at sea. At 1000 hrs we assembled at the Town Hall to form up for the parade down First Parish Road.
When the parade got to the Town Common we held ceremonies and a very moving speech was given by Navy Captain R.A. Rochford.
Patriotic music was played by the Scituate High School band. After this ceremony we held another flag raising at the Cudworth veterans cemetary.
The day was capped off with a fantastic BBQ at the Scituate Knights of Columbus.

Petty Officer Callahan doing guard duty.	Gary Vitty & Dennis Badore waiting to board. Ellenore Grossman a Korean war vet waiting in the back with the wreath.

Cmdr. Covell holding the Coast Guard boart.	Rifle squad firing a volley at the wreath laying.

Wreath laying party back onshore.	Rifle squad firing a salute at the VFW on Rt 3A.

The parade is coming	Veterans in the Scituate American Legion Post.

American Legion Veterans	Scituates Sons of the Union Veterans

Conley Ford, CMDR of the Sons of Union Veterans, Satuit Camp.	Scituate Police Department

Scituate Fire Department	Scituate Selectmen

Scituate High School Band	Scituate Knights of Columbus

Scituate Masons	Mortorcycle Group

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2010 Saint Patricks Day Parade
It was held at PJ's Country House on January 16th. A great buffet of fish or beef and the desert was something to die for.
We all had a great time and the Yankee Swap was a lot of fun.

Dennis is keeping the guests in stitches.	View of the crowd.

Flag Presentation to Scituate High School 2010

On January 27th, Scituate American Legion Post #144 donated a new American flag to the Scituate Public Schools.
Students from the SHS Life Skill Program who accepted the flag on behalf of the Scituate Public Schools were Mary Bradley, Brian Halowack and Gina Dwyer.
State Representative James Cantwell, American Legionnaires Edward Covell, Commander; Steve Litchfield, Dennis Wadley and Jim Wadley and Dr. Susan Martin, Superintendent were in attendance for the ceremony.

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2010 Winter Social
It was held at PJ's Country House on January 16th. A great buffet of fish or beef and the desert was something to die for.
We all had a great time and the Yankee Swap was a lot of fun.

Dennis is keeping the guests in stitches.	View of the crowd.

Ron, the Conways, and George.	The buffet line.

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Wreaths Across America Scituate Post 144 and the Sons of Civil War Veterans participated in the 2009 Wreaths Across America program.
It was held at noon on December 12th at Lawson's Common.Then we went to the Cudworth Veterans Cemetary
and placed the wreaths on veterans graves. Following that we went to the Rt 3A, Michael Kelley, bridge to toss
a wreath into the North River to remember Michael who gave his life in Afganistan.
We would like to thank all who helped make this successful especially the Scituate VFW

Members of the post rifle squad (Callahan & Bonney) and the bugler.	Speeches and placing of the wreaths at the Soldiers & Sailors monument.

Placing the wreaths at veterans graves in the Cudworth Cemetary.	Our friend, State Representative Jim Cantwell, placing wreaths on the veterans graves.

The Cudworth Veterans Cemetary looks very nice. Merry Christmas!	A group forms at the the Michael Kelley Rt. 3A bridge to toss a wreath into the North River in his memory.

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Veterans Honoring Veterans The post had its annual Veterans Honoring Veterans event on Veterans Day, Novemebr 11th, at the Rive House in Scituate.
It was a grand affair with over 100 turkey dinner served. A great turnout!

Members of the post lining up.	Sargeant at Arms Dennis Badore, lining up the children.

The flag at half staff.	The rifle salute.

Scituate High student, Cathryn Hodgkins, singing the National Anthem.	Scituate High student, Ben Garman, playing taps.

Children participating in the ceremony.	Scouts participation.

Jack Ketterer ready to do the MIA ceremony.	Maura Yanosick, speaking below, is the Founder of the Blue Star Mothers of Eastern Massachusetts, and a member of the Board of Directors of the Homes for Troops program.

Mr. Kelley, father of KIA, Michael, speaking.	Vietnam veterans Doug and Ken Litchfield.

Mr. August Silva from the state..	Three of the members in uniform.

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September End of Summer Social The post had its Lobster bake and end of summer social on September 19th, 2009.
It was held at the K of C Hall in Scituate from 1 PM till 5 PM. Over 45 people attended and we were entertained by
the band 'Sagewood Creek'.

Dennis and Jim on KP duty.	Steve performing the 'Death to Lobster' ritual.

Tom Laliberte, a Navy Vietnam veteran, helping the post out manning the grill.	Steve watching Rocco performing feats of vegetable magic.

The band Sagewood Creek performing. They played great and had a great repertoire of music.	The members and their guests had a great time.

We had lobster, steamed clams, corn on the cob, cheeseburgers, hotdogs, sausage & peppers, BBQ'd chicken beer, softdrinks, and great desserts!	After we ate, Bob Callahan and Steve Litchfield joined the band for a few tunes. Steve is on the drums and Bob is on the far left playing the guitar. Bob sang; 50,000 Names on the Wall, Wild Rover, Charlie on the MTA, and Bob Dylans, 'You Ain't Gonig Nowhere'.

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August 2009 Heritage Days The post had its both set up on Front Street again in front of Jack Conway's office.
The post sold poppy's, and chances on an American flag and pole and a hand knitted
baby blanket.

Manning the booth during Heriatge Days.	Post Historian enjoying a Bahama Mama at the Post booth. Should have come it was a great time!

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July 2009 Officer Installation Dinner We had our officer installation at the River Club in Scituate. The food was great as was the service!.

Presenting the officers.	State Representative, Jim Cantwell, receiving an American Legion Certificate of Appreciation for his support of Veterans in general and specifically for his support of the programs of Scituate American Legion Post #144.

Adam Crowley, who has just completed his junior year at Scituate High was presented with the American Legion Certificate of Appreciation for his participation in the 2009 Massachusetts Boys State program held at Stonehill College during June, 2009. Adam was selected as an outstanding student in academics and other activities. He had demonstrated outstanding characteristics of leadership, community service, and Americanism, and an interest in government and history..

Samantha Lawyer, who also just completed her junior year at Scituate High was presented with the American Legion Citizenship Medal for her participation in the 2009 Massachusetts Girls State program held at Westfield State College during June, 2009. Samantha was selected as an outstanding student in academics and other activities. She had demonstrated outstanding characteristics of leadership, community service, and Americanism, and an interest in government and history.

Master at Arms, Dennis Badore, received the AL Gold Badge for Meritorious Service & 100+% recruitment pin (2009)	Historian, Bob Callahan, received the AL Gold Badge for Meritorious Service & 100+% recruitment pin (2009)

Service Agent, Gary Carlo, received the AL Bronze Medal of Merit.	Adjutant, Jack Ketterer, received the AL Silver Medal of Merit.

Member at Large, Franny Litchfield, received the AL Silver Medal of Merit.	Assistant Master at Arms, Jim McRae, received the AL Bronze Medal of Merit.

Member at Large, Tom Reilly, received the AL Bronze Medal of Merit.	Chaplin, Lou Vanderstreet, received the AL Gold Badge for Meritorious Service & 100+% recruitment pin (2009).

Senior Vice Commander, Jim Wadley, received the AL Gold Recruitment Medal (2009) & Legionnaire of the Year (2009) & Recruiter's Pin (2008).	Judge Advocate, Ron Wheatley, received the AL Americanism Medal.

A good crowd enjoyed a great place!	Paul Stanley could not attend the dinner because of his illness so the officers went to his house the following Monday to present to him the 2009 American Legion Americanism Medal.

Others who received awards for 2009 but were not able to attend the dinner were:

Stephen Litchfield	AL Silver Medal of Merit & Commander's Recruitment Pin (2008)
Bob Harkins	AL Bronze Medal of Merit
Gary Vitty	AL Bronze Medal of Merit
Bob Young	Adjutant's Recruitment Pin (2008)

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July Bottle Drive 2009 We have a good time at the dump! Who Doesn't? Come help us and have fun also. This is our biggest money making event for the post.

Marc Dean, Jim Wadley (Ducking) and Bob Callahan enjoying the commradship of dump work.	Our task master at the dump, Dennis Badore, Sergeant at Arms.

Enjoying a break in the action.	Marine Vet. Jack Gill doing the Scituate Post crucible.

Scituate Memorial Day 2009

Getting ready at the start	Sons of Union Veterans

Getting in line at the start.	Are we all here yet?

On the way ou to lay the wreath.	Laying of the wreath outside the harbor.

The parade is coming!	Lining up on the Common.

Enjoying a Memorial Day BBQ with the Knights at the K of C Hall	Another shot of the K of C BBQ

More to come.

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March 15, 2009 Scituate St. Patricks Day Parade

I sse a Leprachaun named Franny!	Lining up for the parade.

January 20 Selectmans Meeting On Tuesday evening, January 20th, 2009 the Scituate Post 144 went to the selectmans meeting and presented the Fallen Soldier display that was built by Bob Callahan, the Post Historian. The display sits in the lobby of the town hall to commemorate all of the soldiers, sailors, and airmen from Scituate who were killed in action, missing in action, or died while a POW. There is a dog tag on the rifle for each of these servicemen from World War 2 to present. The display will be taken out for the memorial day parade and other fitting events. Our thanks to the town selectmen for allowing us to display this solemn memorial where it can be viewed by many.

Scituate Post 144 American Legion members in the audience of the selectmans meeting.	Bob Callahan describing the memorial to the Selectmen.

Scituate Post 144 Commander Ed Covell and Post Historian and the maker of the memorial, Bob Callahan	Members of Scituate Post 144 in attendance poise for a group shot at the memorial.

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January 2009 Post Holiday Party On Saturday evening, January 17th, 2009 the Scituate Post 144 had thier winter after holiday party at the River Club on Border Street. It was a wonderful way to spend a cold winters night with good food and good friends. Scituate veterans have been socializing this way since the Indian Wars. The food was good as usual and the service was excellant. We had Haddock or roast beef along with potatos, green beans, and a salad. They even had Guinness! A very nice fire in the fire place kept us cozy.

Commander Covell presenting George Dunlap, who served in the Army's 82nd Airborne Division, with an award for continuous service and devotion to duty while volunteering as a member of the rifle squad.	The Litchfields, Paul Stanley, and Mrs. Callahan.

Your Post Historian, Mr. Callahan, and his better half enjoying the party.	Table of people enjoying themselves.

Commander Covell and George Dunlap.	Steve Litchfield watching Jean Callahan select her Yankee Swap present.

Lou Vanderstreet's and John E. Broadley's table.	The Conley Ford table with friends. The guy with the clenched fists was Jack Conway.

Every one was enjoying themselves.	Jim Wadley had so much fun he had to hold his head up!

Now here is a sharp looking guy. I think we have the best looking Master at Arms.	Look at all those neat presents on the table. Lots of lottery tickets, wine, and liquor. Paul Stanley got a $25 American Express gift card. Jean Callahan got a lottery ticket that won $2. Thanks to Doris Badore all the ladies got some hand care products.

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Wreath Laying Ceremony On Saturday December 13, 2008 the Scituate American Legion Post participated in the "Wreaths Across America" program. The Scituate program was organized by Mr. & Mrs. Kelley, whose son Michael was killed in action in Afghanistan, the American Leagion Post 144, Town Veteran Agent Emil Carlo, Sons of the Union Veterans, and the Scituate VFW.
The ceremony started on the Town Common at the Soldiers Monument. Here Mr. Kelley spoke as did the towns state representative, Jim Cantwell, Town Selectman Joseph Norton, Post 144 Commander Ed Covell, and Camp Commander of the newly formed The Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, Conley Ford. American Legion Chaplin, Eleanor Grossman gave a benediction.
Taps was played by a high school student and the National Anthem sung by Lenae Badger while the flag was raised and a rifle salute was rendered.

One wreath for each branch of the service was laid at the Soldiers Monument on the Town common.	Pastor Dan Eddy from Christ Lutheran Church saying a prayer at the ceremony held at the Cudworth Veterans cemetery.

Post 144 Master at Arms, Dennis Badore waits to place his wreath on the common.	Participants picking up wreaths to place on the graves of veterans at the Cudworth Veterans cemetery.

Cudworth cemetery all deck out. A beautiful sight. Veterans remembered for the Season.	Another angle looking at the veterans graves.

Retired Coast Guard Chief, Tom Reilly rendering a tribute to Michael Kelley by launching a wreath off the Route 3A bridge named after Michael.	After the ceremonies the participants went to the Scituate VFW post, who hosted a get together, to socialize. Left to Right: 2nd Vice Commander, Bob Harkins; Sargeant at Arms, Dennis Badore; Historian, Bob Callahan; Commander, Ed Covell; Mr. & Mrs. Al Bonney, Town Veteran Agent, Gary Carlo; 3rd Vice Commander, Gary Vitty; Judge Advocate, Ron Wheatley; and Chaplain, Eleanor Grossman./CENTER>

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November 2008 Veterans Honoring Veterans On Tuesday November 11, 2008 the Scituate American Legion Post honored veterans by feeding all Scituate veterans a free turkey dinner. The event was held at the River Club. Outside, before dinner, Eleanore Grossman, said a prayer, a rifle salute was rendered, and the veterans saluted the flag. Taps was played and the National Anthem was sung by Caitlyn Rivero. Then all moved inside for a dedication of the Fallen Soldiers memorial by Bob Callahan and speeches by town selectman, Mr. Murray, and Mr. Kelley. A POW/MIA ceremony was held and Vice Commander, Bob Harkins recited the poem: In Flanders Fields
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The post's new flag waving proudly in the breeze.	The veterans salute while taps is played.

The dedication of Bob Callahan's Fallen Soldier Memorial. Left to right: Conley Ford, past commander, Bob Callahan, Post Historian, Ed Covell, present Commander, State Representative, Jim Cantwell, Dennis Badore, Post Master at Arms, Jim Wadley, Senior Vice Commander.	Mr. Kelley speaking about his son Michael who gave his life in Afghanistan.

We had a good crowd attend the dinner. The food was great as usual.	One of the cards made by St. Luke's Episcopal Church Sunday School students thanking the veterans for their service.

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Heritage Days August 2008 Post 144 setup up on the sidewalk on Front Street selling poppies for Heritage Days.

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2008 Scituate Post Installation Dinner Monday night July 14th Post 144 had its installation dinner at the River Club, The following officer were installed by
Augusta Silva the Department of Massachusetts District 10 Judge Advocate and Past Commander :

Commander	Ed Covell
1st Vice Commander	James Wadley
2nd Vice Commander	Robert Harkins
3rd Vice Commander	Gary Vitty
Adjutant	James McRae
Finance Officer	Stephen Litchfield
Sergeant at Arms	Dennis Badore
Chaplain	Gerald Hickey
Judge Advocate	Ronald Wheatley
Post Historian	Robert Callahan
Veterans Service Officer.	Gary Carlo

After the installation meeting we settled down to a nice dinner of Shrimp and Scallops, Chicken Marsala, and London Broil. It was a wonderful evening and was very well attended.

Outgoing Commander, Steve Litchfield, calls the installation meeting to order.	Post Chaplin, Fr, Gerry Hickey offers a prayer.

Lou Vanderstreet and Jack Ketterer conducting the MIA ceremony.	August Silva preparing to swear in the officers.

The installed officers for 2008.	Judi Brown, District 10 Commander.

Outgoing Commander Steve Litchfield receiving the Commander award from the new Commander, Ed Covell.	Last years Commander receiving a district award for having the best recruitment.

Mr. Kelley speaking about his son Michael and what is being done to perserve his son's memory who was killed in Afghanistan.	Our newest member, Navy veteran, Jack Conway visiting with Polly Logan.

Award Recipients;Top Left to Bottom right: Callahan, Badore, Carlo, Deneen, Hickey, and Ketterer.	Award Recipients;Top Left to Bottom right: Litchfield, Reilly, Vanderstreet, Stanley, Vitty, and Wadley.

Award Recipients; Left to right: Wheatley and Glancy.

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Scituate Memorial Day Parade 2008

Lt. Cmdr. O'Brien meets RM3 Callahan at the town hall parking lot.	Parade starting line.

Veterans and family climbing aboard the float.	Ed Covell & Dennis Badore helping people aboard the float.

Engine 1 leading the parade.	Here comes the veterans.

VFW & American Legion color guard.	Coming to the intersection on First Parish and Country Way.

Scituate Selectmen.	RM3 Callahan (Post Historian) carrying the Navy Flag & Post Master at Arms Dennis Badore with the Army flag.

Scituate Knights of Columbus.	Scituate High school Band.

Satuit Mason Lodge.	Scituate Little League.

Color Guard.	Scituate Police and Fire.

Color Guard.	Gary Carlo, veteran agent, speaking.

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BBQ at the Knights of Columbus after the Memorial Day Parade 2008

This year the K of C extended an invitation to the members of Scituate Post 144 and the VFW to join them in a picnic. We thank them for their hospitality.

Master at Arms Badore in the chow line.	Vice Cmdr Harkins & Gary Vitty in the chow line.

Conley Ford and others enjoying the lounge.	Nice crowd.

Jim Denneen doing double duty as a member of both organizations.	Cmdr. Litchfield doing his best to put a hamburger out of it's misery.

The Limbachers enjoying the feast.	Jim and others enjoying the day.

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Archived Events

Dedication of the Sgt. Kelly Bridge 2006_	Heritage Days 2006_	Jan. 07 Winter Party_	2007 Memorial Day Parade	2007 Post Lobster Bake
Officer Installation - 2006_	August 27th 2006 Lobster Bake_	2006 Veterans Feeding veterans_	Santa Stroll 2006	2007 St. Patricks Day Parade	2007 Officer Installation	2007 Veterans Feeding Veterans
January 2008 Winter Party_

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More Pictures coming soon!
Last edited on September 27, 2009