The American Legion Department of Connecticut Centennial Celebration Gala was held at the Aqua Turf Club in Plantsville, Connecticut on Saturday, November 10, 2018. A wonderful evening dedicated to the Men, Women and Sons of The American Legion Family. Ibell-Jacobson-Smith Post Commander William Burdick, his wife Carol Burdick, District 7 Commander Eileen Richard (Deep River 61), Post 61 member Jerry Richard, Post 61 Senior Vice Commander Richard Nagot and guest Sally, and Past Post 61..
The 2019 American Legion National High School Oratorical Contest (Post Level) was sponsored by Ibell-Jacobson-Smith Post 61 Deep River was held on Tuesday, January 29, 2019 at Valley Regional High School in Deep River, CT. Five VHRS students participated in the oratorical contest: Jenna LoMonaco, Katie Morrissey, Maeve Collins, Gabby Pretruzzello and Connor Riordan. A speical "thank you" to Valley Regional High School faculty advisor Ms. Kyle Fitch and Post 61 Oratorical Chairman Don Grohs..
Ob February 2, 2109, the Amdrican Legion National Oratorical Contest (District 7) was held at Post 66, Clinton Connecticut. There were two contestants participating in the district level competition. Connor Riordan, a senior at Valley Regional High School, represented Post 61 Deep River; and Kaitlyn Wallace, a senior at Westbook High School representing Post 103 Westbrook. Both student provided excellent orations. Connor Riordan won the competition and will preceed to the Department High School Oratorical Contest..
On Thursday, May 9, 2019 District 7 Commander Eileen Richard hosted a "Quilts of Valor" presentation ceremony at American Legion Post 66 Clinton, CT. Commander Richard organized the event Fifteen legionnaires from various 7th District Posts honored with individual "Quilts of Valor." Jane Dougherty, Connecticut Co-Coordinator for the Quilts of Valor Foundation, along with her team, presented individual quilts to the following Post 61 legionnaires: William Burdick, Arthur Nedobity, Douglas Shomo and Ludwig Spokas. District..