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| Cmdr Governor and Pres. Corker |
Earlier, they stopped for a luncheon at Mechanicville Post 91, where they returned in the evening for a dinner attended by more than 130 people, reports The Saratogian.
Corker told Saratogian reporter Paul Post she was "quite impressed” by the museum. “It’s important to let the younger generation know the history of generations that have come before us and the sacrifices soldiers made to keep us free.”
Governor has visited the facility before, but not since the opening of a new exhibit this summer about New York’s role in the Civil War. “If we don’t learn about the past, we’ll repeat those same mistakes in the future,” he said.
Chang is a 24-year Army veteran who said he joined Sons of The American Legion as a way to honor his father, a World War II veteran. “It’s quite a tribute to veterans of all different wars,” he said, while viewing various exhibits that trace the role of soldiers from the Revolution to Iraq and Afghanistan. “Hopefully this gives young people an understanding of the history of our country. We need museums like this that tell about the events that molded this country.”
Saratoga County Commander John Desautels, of Mohawk Post 1450 in Halfmoon, joined the contingent along with several other past county commanders.
Governor plans to tour all sections of the state and hopes to raise $50,000 to replenish a national fund that assists Legion posts damaged by natural disasters such as Hurricane Sandy, last fall.
Another high priority is helping active-duty soldiers coming back from overseas with family, job and education matters.