Submitted by Maryann Doherty
Four members of Madison-Florham Park American Legion Auxiliary Unit # 43 traveled to Hackettstown on Saturday, April 21, 2018 to present Past Unit President Verna Gilley with a certificate for 70 years of continuous membership in the Auxiliary. Several of Verna’s family attended including her son and daughter-in-law from North Carolina, several grand-daughters, and her daughter Kathy Roman who helped with the arrangements at the assisted living facility where Verna now resides.
The program included presentation of the framed certificate by President Doris Sallie and a framed picture from the Madison Eagle of Verna with her officers at Installation in 1957 presented by Secretary Maryann Doherty. Americanism Chairman Barbara Webster presented Verna and Kathy each with an “America Pure Gold” lapel pin which was the pin given at the 2002 National Convention at which Elsie Bailey of New Jersey was installed as National President. The program concluded with the group singing along with Pat Boone to a recording of “God Bless America.” Unit Children and Youth Chairman Kathy Murphy took pictures of the affair.
(above) Maryann Doherty, Unit #43 Secretary; granddaughters Laura Meininger and Samantha Roman; Verna Gilley with her certificate recognizing 70 years of continuous membership in Unit #43; daughter Kathy Roman; son, David Gilley; Unit President Doris Sallie who made the presentation; Barbara Webster, Unit Americanism Chairman and daughter-in-law Kathy Gilley.
Photo by Kathy Murphy.
