Under a blue sky and a brilliant, sunny Saturday morning, Commander Russ Getz called the members of Harford Post 39, Squadron 39 and Auxiliary Unit 39 and guests to attention on May 2 for the rededication ceremony of the post's canteen.
Getz commanded the color guard to post the national colors on the flagpole in front of the post building at 500 North Hickory Ave. in Bel Air. Following the posting of the colors, CW5 David Teesdale sang the national anthem and Carolyn Slimowicz, the post chaplain, gave the invocation.
Getz introduced the distinguished guests: Carolyn Baker, commander, and Dr. Gordon Browning, judge advocate, of the American Legion Department of Maryland, who conducted the rededication ceremony.
Dick Gebhard, president of the board of directors, spoke about the history of the renovation project and introduced Sen. Wayne Norman, District 35, who thanked the veterans for their service to the nation and also cited the work of the post in the local community. Norman presented a Maryland citation.
He was followed by Sen. Bob Cassilly, District 34, Del. Susan McComas, District 35-A, and Del. Teresa Reilly, District 34-A, who also presented citations.
The dedication ceremony concluded with the traditional ribbon cutting ceremony. Throughout the day, Harford Post celebrated with a traditional lunch of pit beef, ham and turkey followed by special events and a floor show by The Big Bopper and Buttons in the evening.
The rededication ceremony recognized the post's continuous service since 1929 and cited the renovation of its canteen that was last built in the late '60s and early '70s. The renovation project included a new bar, ceilings, walls, lighting and floors. Work began Feb. 15 and was completed March 26.