The American Legion Department of Massachusetts

08/23/2026

July 31, 2026, Congratulations to Plymouth Post 40 Commander Michael “Frenchy” DeLongchamps. He was installed by a Dept. of MA Commander Robert Jerdan. (Photos by Dept. of MA Photographer Lisa Borges.)

08/22/2026

On August 15, 2026, AL Dept. of MA Commander Robert Jerden and Officers visited Southhampton Post 168 to congratulate them on their 100th anniversary. Officers who attended included Dept. Vice Commanders Cindy La Coste and Ryan Howe, Past NEC and Dept. of MA Commander Jodi Pajak, Dept. Senior Vice Commander Andrew Pajak, and Past Dept Commander and Judge Advocate Louis Brault.

Post Commander Mark Nichols, Adjutant Richard LeClerc, and members Mark Rachmacieg, Dave Wells and Karen Decker were photographed with the Dept. Commander. (Photos by Dept. of MA Historian Adam Doud and Photographer Lisa Borges)

08/22/2026

Last Saturday August 15, 2026, Southampton Post 168 celebrated their 100th Anniversary with members of the town.

As a part of their celebration, they presented the Citizen of the Year Award to Susan Teece.

Congratulations to the post members for reaching such an incredible milestone and to Susan Teece, for being recognized for her support to the South Hampton community. (Photos by Dept. of MA Historian Adam Doud and Photographer Lisa Borges)

08/22/2026

08/22/2026

Dept. of MA Commander Robert Jerdan attended the Purple Heart Ceremony aboard USS Constitution, August 21, 2026.

USS Constitution said this about being designated, "Today, USS Constitution added a new distinction to her storied legacy.

During the underway in Boston Harbor, 'Old Ironsides' was officially designated a Purple Heart Ship, honoring generations of Americans who were wounded or killed in action in defense of our nation.

We were honored to welcome Purple Heart recipients aboard and share this historic occasion with them."

In the first photo, Commander Jerden joins USS Constitution Commanding Officer Crystal L. Scheafer and the 1812 Marine Guard in a group photo after the ceremony.

Beneath the group shot is the unveiling of the Purple Heart placard designating the ship a Purple Heart Ship. From Left to Right, Constitution's Executive Officer Kylen D. Lemenger, Military Order of the Purple Heart Region 1 Adjutant, Commander Chapter 875 -Western MA Al Varelas, USS Constitution Commanding Officer Crystal L. Scheafer and Military Order of the Purple Heart National Senior Vice Commander Andrew M. Del Gaudio reads the citation.

Commander Jerdan took some time to talk with Constitution's Command Master Chief Jimmie L. Carter III and crew members. In the final photo Jerdan is photographed with the Boston Skyline behind him. (Photos by Dept. of MA Photographer Lisa Borges)

08/21/2026

Here is a sneak peek of phone cell pics of AL Dept. of MA Commander Robert Jerden's day. He witnessed the historical moment of USS Constitution becoming a Purple Heart Ship. More photos of the day underway and actual ceremony to come. His wife Solange, Dept. of MA Vice Commander Cindy LaCoste, Dept. Historian Adam Doud, and Dept. Aide Bob Lewis joined him.

08/21/2026

Old Glory being raised before getting underway on the USS Constitution, August 21, 2026.

08/21/2026

1812 Marines, render honors as USS Constitution passes by Coast Guard Base and Castle Island.

08/21/2026

Dept. of MA Commander Robert Jerdan was invited to attend the Military Order of Purple Heart Ceremony aboard USS Constituiton.

In this video clip, Commander Crystal L. Schaefer finishes reading the poem, "Old Glory" as the ship passes USS Cassin Young (DD-793). It is read to memorialize all who have given the ultimate sacrifice. The video pans from the commanding officer to the 1812 Marine Guard.