Owen F. Hansberry was installed as the James E. Coffey Post 3 commander for 1970-1971 at ceremonies held at the post home on 11 Court St., Nashua.
COMMANDER HANSBERRY'S INAUGURATION MESSAGE
In 1962, in the midst of a hotly contested campaign for Jr. Vice Commander I was hospitalized and withdrew my name from nomination in favor of a young fellow named Roland Caron who later became one of our better Commanders. At that time, I stated that I would always work for and uphold the high tradition of the American Legion. Now I'm told that I'll really have to work Your Commander and Vice Commanders need the help of their fellow comrades in order to accomplish the many projects ahead of us. I ask for your assistance and support.
-----Our motto this year will be COOPERATION AND COMMUNICATION.
When I first became a Legionnaire I was befriended by Zelma Durst, God Bless her, a member of the Auxiliary, and ever since then I've had a soft spot in my heart for these ladies and am amazed at their accomplishments. They are certainly an asset and a integral part of our Post and they seem to become more efficient and prettier each year. I thank them for their cooperation in the past and I hope for and would certainly appreciate continued mutual assistance.
For the first time in many years our post has endorsed a fellow comrade, John Bisset, for Department Commander. Although there is another candidate from District 2 running in opposition to him, we leave the final decision up to each individual Post and it's delegates. However, I ask all of the members of our post to assist John in his campaign.
I thank my fellow Legionnaires for giving me the privilege of serving them in the coming year.
COMMANDER'S MESSAGE, THE COFFEY CUP NEWSLETTER, MAY 1970
I thank each of my fellow comrades for the privilege of serving them in the coming year. I shall do my best to carry on the high tradition established by the Past Commanders who have gone before me. I shall also do my best to carry out the programs of the American Legion.
In anticipation of the fine spirit and unusual cooperation by each member that has been the hallmark of the James E. Coffey Post for the past 51 years. I thank you.
When I was discharged from the service, like many others, I did not think that I would ever march in a parade again, but when Memorial Day came around, the names of old friends like Jack Hargreaves, Tony Andruskevich, Paul Boire, Ray Rigney, and so many others came to mind. Knowing that they would never return, I realized the importance of honoring them and all of the Veterans who made the Supreme Sacrifice so that you and I might follow our own pursuits in this great country. I knew then the horror of war but I also knew that each generation must share the responsibility of protection our freedom from our enemies; those who would overthrow it from within and those who would attack it from the outside.
On May 30th, let us turn out in full force and show that we do honor our fallen comrades and do remember their sacrifice. This year especially let us show our determination to support the President of the United States and his constitutional authority ---- Let's make this OUR MORATORIUM DAY ---- Let's make this our RETURN TO AMERICANISM DAY.
Yours in Comradeship,
Owen F. Hansberry, Commander
Other officers installed on 7 May 1970 are:
Commander: Owen F. Hansberry
Senior Vice Commander: Ernest Ledoux
Jr. Vice Commander: Roland Holbrook
Finance Officer: Emil Bozek, PC
Treasurer: Roland Brisson
Chaplain: Matthew Lynch
Sergeant-At-Arms: Albert Coffey
Adjutant: Earle Wesson, PC
Historian: Frederick M. Clemons, PC
Trust Officer: Royal Miller
Asst. Trust Officer: Mary H. Sullivan
Trustee for 3 years: Richard J. McDonald, PC
Executive Committee: Roland A. Caron, Chester J. McKuskie, Thomas J. Potter
