American Legion Post 144 Events


Recent Post Events


2010 July 4th Ceremony

At 1200 hrs Scituate Post 144 and the folks of the Town of Scituate and surrounding towns assembled on the Town Common to celebrate the 234th birthday of the United States of America.


July 4, 2010 July 4th 2010
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..

July 4, 2010 July 4, 2010
Army, Arriving!
The crowds awaiting the patriotic speeches.

July 4, 2010 July 4th 2010
Saluting the National Anthem
Ex Govenor, Michael Dukakis.

July 4, 2010 Peter Mehegan
Steve Litchfield, State Representative, Jim Cantwell, and Bob McHugh.
Peter Mehegan, of Chronicle fame, reading the Declaration of Independance

July 4, 2010 July 4, 2010
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.

July 4, 2010 July 4, 2010
Cohasset Sons of the American Legion Color Guard
Many people came to enjoy the speeches.

July 4, 2010 July 4, 2010
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!

July 4, 2010 July 4, 2010
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.

July 4, 2010 July 4, 2010
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.

July 10, 2010 July 4, 2010
Bob Callahan and General Casey at the 'meet and greet' held at the GAR Hall on Country Way.
Great food at the GAR Hall.

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



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.


PO3 Callahan Assembly
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.

Memorial Day 2010 Memorial Day 2010
Cmdr. Covell holding the Coast Guard boart.
Rifle squad firing a volley at the wreath laying.

Memorial Day 2010 Memorial Day 2010
Wreath laying party back onshore.
Rifle squad firing a salute at the VFW on Rt 3A.

Memorial Day 2010 Memorial Day 2010
The parade is coming
Veterans in the Scituate American Legion Post.

Memorial Day 2010 Memorial Day 2010
American Legion Veterans
Scituates Sons of the Union Veterans

Memorial Day 2010 Memorial Day 2010
Conley Ford, CMDR of the Sons of Union Veterans, Satuit Camp.
Scituate Police Department

Memorial Day 2010 Memorial Day 2010
Scituate Fire Department
Scituate Selectmen

Memorial Day 2010 Memorial Day 2010
Scituate High School Band
Scituate Knights of Columbus

Memorial Day 2010 Memorial Day 2010
Scituate Masons
Mortorcycle Group



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

Scituate High Flag Presentation

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.

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.


2010 Winter Party 2010 WInter Party
Dennis is keeping the guests in stitches.
View of the crowd.
2010 Winter Party 2010 WInter Party
Ron, the Conways, and George.
The buffet line.



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

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

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

Cudworth Cemetary
Bridge
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.



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!

2009 Veterans Feeding Veterans
Veterans Feeding Veterans
Members of the post lining up.
Sargeant at Arms Dennis Badore,
lining up the children.

Veterans Day 2009
Veterans Day 2009
The flag at half staff.
The rifle salute.


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

Chldren participating in the ceremony.
Scouts
Children participating in the ceremony.
Scouts participation.


MIA
 Maura Yanosick
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.


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

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




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'.

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

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

Sagewood Creek
Post Summer Social
The band Sagewood Creek performing. They played great
and had a great repertoire of music.
The members and their guests had a great time.
Some Food we had
Bob and Steve join the band
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'.



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.

2009 Heritage Days
2009 Heritage Days
Manning the booth during Heriatge Days.
Post Historian enjoying a Bahama Mama at the Post booth.
Should have come it was a great time!



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

Samantha Lawyer
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.

Dennis Badore
Bob Callahan
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)

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

Franny Litchfield
Jim McRae
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.

Tom Reilly
Lou Vanderstreet
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).

Jim Wadley
Ron Wheatley
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.

River CLub
Paul Stanley
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)

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,Jim, and Bob at the Dump
Dennis Badore
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.

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

Scituate Memorial Day 2009

At the start
Sons of the Union Veterans
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.
Memorial Day start On the Common
The parade is coming!
Lining up on the Common.

K of C BBQ
K of C BBQ 2
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.


March 15, 2009 Scituate St. Patricks Day Parade

Franny the Leprachaun Line up
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.
Selectmans Meeting Selectmans Meeting
Scituate Post 144 American Legion members in the audience of the selectmans meeting.
Bob Callahan describing the memorial to the Selectmen.

Post COmmander and Post Historian POst 144 members
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.



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.
Presentation Table 1
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.

Having Fun Table 2
Your Post Historian, Mr. Callahan, and his better half enjoying the party.
Table of people enjoying themselves.

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

Table 3 Conley Table
Lou Vanderstreet's and John E. Broadley's table.
The Conley Ford table with friends. The guy with the clenched fists was Jack Conway.

Tables 6 and 7 Jim Wadley
Every one was enjoying themselves.
Jim Wadley had so much fun he had to hold his head up!

Dennis Room Shot
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.




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.
Wreath Laying Ceremony Wreath Laying Ceremony
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.

Wreath Laying Ceremony Wreath Laying Ceremony
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.

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

Wreath Laying Ceremony Wreath Laying Ceremony
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>




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
br>
Wreath Laying Ceremony Veterans feeding veterans
The post's new flag waving proudly in the breeze.
The veterans salute while taps is played.

Fallen Soldier Memorial Dedication Mr. Kelley
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.

Fallen Soldier Memorial Dedication Mr. Kelley
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.



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

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

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

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

2008 Installation 2008 Installation
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.

2008 Installation 2008 Installation
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 Award Recipients
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
Award Recipients; Left to right: Wheatley and Glancy.


Scituate Memorial Day Parade 2008

Memorial Day 08 Memorial Day 2008
Lt. Cmdr. O'Brien meets RM3 Callahan at the town hall parking lot.
Parade starting line.

Memorial Day Parade 2008 Memorial Day 2008
Veterans and family climbing aboard the float.
Ed Covell & Dennis Badore helping people aboard the float.

Memorial Day 2008 Memorial Day 2008
Engine 1 leading the parade.
Here comes the veterans.
Memorial Day 2008 Memorial Day 2008
VFW & American Legion color guard.
Coming to the intersection on First Parish and Country Way.

Memorial Day 2008 Memorial Day 2008
Scituate Selectmen.
RM3 Callahan (Post Historian) carrying the Navy Flag & Post Master at Arms Dennis Badore with the Army flag.

Memorial Day 2008 Memorial Day 2008
Scituate Knights of Columbus.
Scituate High school Band.

Memorial Day 2008 Memorial Day 2008
Satuit Mason Lodge.
Scituate Little League.

Memorial Day 2008 Memorial Day 2008
Color Guard.
Scituate Police and Fire.

Memorial Day 2008 Memorial Day 2008
Color Guard.
Gary Carlo, veteran agent, speaking.



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.
K of C BBQ K of C BBQ
Master at Arms Badore in the chow line.
Vice Cmdr Harkins & Gary Vitty in the chow line.

K of C BBQ K of C BBQ
Conley Ford and others enjoying the lounge.
Nice crowd.

K of C BBQ K of C BBQ
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.

K of C BBQ K of C BBQ
The Limbachers enjoying the feast.
Jim and others enjoying the day.



Archived Events

Post 144 First Meetings__ Memorial Day 2006__ 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_


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