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" A New Beginning" American Legion Department of South Carolina Dedication March 5, 2008 John Palmer, Past Department Commander, was the Master of Ceremonies for this very special event in the Legion family. The Colors were presented by the Frank Roach Post 34 Color Guard. Department Chaplain Charles Bennett gave the Invocation, SAL Detachment Commander Andrew J. Hornbuckle recited Resolution 288, Dot Tunstall, Auxiliary Department President led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance and Billy Bell, NEC, led all Legionnaires in the recitation of the Preamble Department Commander John Dellinger, welcomed everyone in attendance and gave a moving speech on the importance of Department Headquarters and programs in the Legion family. The guest speakers included National Vice Commander Randell Fisher, PDC Richard E. Walsh, Sr., PDC Norma J. Walker, Kelly Ahrens with Big League Realty, who has been a true friend during this entire process, Jay Lasater with NBSC, and Daniel Clayton from Master Construction, whose Company worked so diligently on the construction of our Headquarters. We had two special guests from the DAV, James M. Hawkins and Harmon Evans, several CVAO's, Carl Hawkins,VARO, Phil Butler, Director of the SC Office of Veterans Affiars who spoke on behalf of Governor Mark Sanford. We also had Mr. Butch Wallace from Representative Joe Wilson's office and Ms. Milly Howard who spoke on behalf of SC Representative Chip Huggins. She read a very moving letter from Representative Huggins and Representataive Nathan Ballantine and presented the Department with a flag that had flown over the South Carolina State House. And we were especially honored to have National Commander Martin 'Marty' Conatser as our very special guest. He spoke to all present about Legionnaires and their contributions. We were pleased and proud to have many Legionnaires, SAL members and Auxiliary members make time in their lives to witness this special occasion. The photos below of this very special event were taken by Mr. Gilbert Scales, our very capable Department Photographer, to whom we are very grateful for his dedication to his craft and his devotion to his position as Department Photographer and member of the Department Public Relations Committee.
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