Submitted Photo At the Cassadaga American Legion Post 1280, the Legionnaire of the Year Award for 2019 was presented to Chaplain Diane K. Shaw. Shown in the photograph are Chaplain Shaw, past commander Bruce Kaus, and Legion Commander Claude Chamberlin.

CASSADAGA — On Veterans’ Day Monday, the Cassadaga American Legion Post 1280 held a special dinner and recognition program at their hall on Maple Avenue in the village. Past Commander Bruce Kaus was the master of ceremony, and welcomed all to the event. Chaplain Diane K. Shaw gave the opening invocation and the blessing prior to the meal. Claude Chamberlin is the Legion Commander. The Cassadaga Legion has the greatest American Flag program in the state, with the Cassadaga Legion hanging 215 American Flags in the Cassadaga Village each year from spring through the fall. Richard Haase was thanked for his time in creating a slide show of Legion photographs. Mark Peters was thanked for his time preparing the food for the dinner.

A wonderful dinner was provided for all, with many desserts. Following the dinner, the recognition program was held. Honor Guard Commander Karl Lawson recognized those who serve on the honor guard at parades, memorial services and funerals. This is the 100th year of the Auxiliary of the Legion, which Kaus said is the greatest asset to the Legion. The Auxiliary provides luncheons for families and programs for the youth among their many activities. President of the Cassadaga Auxiliary Lauren Sharp spoke about the Cassadaga Auxiliary beginning in 1946 at the end of World War II. President Sharp recognized those members of long term including Carol Baker, Sally Lawson, Erika Abrams, up to Bertha Fredrickson with 66 years of membership to the Auxiliary.

Past Commander Kaus then honored those people who have been members of the Cassadaga Legion in 5 year increments. These people ranged from membership of 10 years to 50 years. They included Barry Clark, Commander Chamberlin, Jerry Crandall, Charles “Rusty” Jones, Mark Peters, David Richir, Richard Burlett, Bob Connelly, Steve Singer, Ron Hart, Jim Gerhard and Chaplain Diane K. Shaw. Certificate awards were presented to these people. Kaus said that each year, the Legion tries to recognize members in five year increments.

The annual American Legion Legionnaire of the Year Award for 2019 was presented to Chaplain Diane K. Shaw, who has been a Legion member for 52 years. Chaplain Shaw served in the US Army in the dental medical unit and earned the rank of E-5, which Kaus said is equivalent to a sergeant. Chaplain Shaw wanted to be in the military since sixth grade, and joined after her graduation from high school. The special award was presented to Ms. Shaw by the post commander Chamberlin.

The Legion Auxiliary held a closing program of remembering those people who served in the military and have since passed away. Sally Lawson read a poem of a family visiting the Memorial Wall, and then mothers walked in carrying the hats of loved ones. This was a very emotional program. Chaplain Shaw then gave the closing message.