From the Nashua Telegraph, Wed, May 2, 1956, page 9.
" A. Maurice Bernier (pictured), World War Two veteran, was elected commander of James E. Coffey post, American Legion last evening at the group's annual election of officers. He will succeed Commander Frederick M. Clemons who presided over the session.
The yearly election of officers and delegates and alternates to the state convention in Newport next month attracted almost 100 members.
The new commander is the son of Andrew W. Bernier who served as commander in 1936. Election of a son to succeed his father to the top office marked a first in the history of the Coffey post and possibly in the state. Commander-elect Bernier was elevated to the post from the office of senior vice commander. He was unopposed.
In the only contest of the evening. Gerald E. Cote defeated William A. Marshall, 47 to 38 for the office of finance officer.
Officers for 1956-1957 include the following:
Commander: Andrew Maurice Bernier.
Senior Vice Commander: Walley Estes.
Junior Vice Commander: Emil Bozek.
Adjutant: Miss Mary H. Sullivan.
Finance Officer: G. Cote.
Treasurer: Richard J. McDonald.
Chaplain: Paul R. Massie.
Service Officer: A. Charles Lindsay.
Historian: David P. Stevens.
Trustee: Frederick M. Clemons.
Trust Officer: Andre V. Dion.
Assistant Trust Officer: Robert S. Whitney
Sergeant At Arms: Aime Auclair..
Executive Committee: Peter Cote, Paul A. Moran, Andrew W. Bernier."
Post Membership for 1956-1957: 940.
"The annual convention of the N.H. Department, American Legion, will be held in Newport June 22, 23 and 24. Elected delegates were....
...In other business, the post voted to air condition the dugout... It was announced the installation of new officers will be held Thursday evening, together with the installation of auxiliary officers. The ceremonies will be in charge of District No. 2 officers and will start at 8 o'clock...."
https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=FqcrAAAAIBAJ&sjid=4fwFAAAAIBAJ&pg=...
