The main purpose of the Legion’s High School Oratorical Scholarship Program is to develop a deeper knowledge and appreciation of the Constitution of the United States on the part of high school students. Other objects of the contest include the development of leadership qualities, the ability to think and speak clearly and intelligently, and the preparation for acceptance of the duties and responsibilities, the rights and privileges of American citizenship.

This contest is for students who welcome learning. For the student who looks for an academic challenge and an opportunity to gain scholarship monies. The American Legion’s High school oratorical Scholarship Program is a natural fit. Students learn valuable information about our country’s Constitution in a contest that has been held by the American Legion for more than 76 years.

The local contest will be held at the George T. Files Post 20, Brunswick American Legion, 1 Columbus Dr. Brunswick with the winner moving on to the Depart of Maine and that winner competing Nationally in Indianapolis In. for $18000 dollar scholarship, Contestants will be judged on Their prepared oration must be the original effort of each contestant and must not take up less than eight minutes or more than 10 minutes for delivery.

The assigned topic discourse must not consume less than three minutes or more than five minutes for delivery. The purpose of the assigned topic discourse is to test the speaker’s knowledge of the subject, the extent of his or her research, and the ability to discuss the topic as related to the basic principles of government under the Constitution. For more information contact the Brunswick American Legion Post 20, (207) 721-1172

There are also school awards for students in grades 6- 8. Students will be asked to write an essay, 250 words or less “Why I love America” Students will receive a savings bond $100 for 1st $50 for 2nd and 3rd place finish. Local school Harriet Beecher Stowe, Coffin and St. John’s schools will be asked to participate

BURIAL BENEFITS

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs provides burial funding for veterans of up to between $300 and $2,000, depending on the circumstances. Find out if you are eligible for a burial and plot-interment allowance by calling 1-800- 827-1000 or going to https://explore.va.gov/ and clicking on the “Memorial Benefits” link.

HONOR FLIGHT MAINE

Honor Flight Maine was established in March 2014 and joined the National network May 1, 2014. We accept WW-II, Korean War and Vietnam War Veterans as well as terminally ill Veterans. Our goal is to get all Maine Veterans of these Wars to see their memorials in Washington, D.C at NO-COST to the Veteran. For more information call David patch C-751- 5672.

POW-MIA Remembrance Day

George T. Files Post 20, Brunswick American Legion held its annual POW-MIA Remembrance Day last month, a very solemn ceremony to Honor the 12 Maine Service members still listed as POW/MIA’s also 25 crew members of two VP 26 aircraft short down over Vietnam. Five local members killed in action during the Korean War and 6 killed in Vietnam. Thanks to Post 171 Color Guard and Buglar Roland Weedman for playing taps.

CORRECTION

In Last week’s article we stated that a Vietnam Veterans had his service connected Compensation increased from 10% to 30%, this meant his spouse would be eligible for Dependents Indemnity Compensation (D.I.C.) Not all spouses are eligible for D.I.C. I apologize for any misunderstanding it may have caused.

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