Council Honors American Legion, Triton High Band

The Township Council honored the local American Legion post and the Triton Regional High School band during its meeting Monday night for taking first-place prizes at the annual American Legion convention in Wildwood last month.

The Honor Guard for American Legion Stetser-Lamartine Post No. 281 won first place in its division at the June 11 American Legion parade in Wildwood.

It was the first time in Stetser-Lamartine's 72-year history to win first place in the annual parade held in Wildwood.

"We've been participating in that parade for the last 20-something years, and this is the first time we've won first place," Chip Roach, Post No. 281 judge advocate, said.

Stetser-Lamartine Post No. 281 was founded in 1939. The Honor Guard consists of the Color Guard, which presents the nation's and organizational flags, and Firing Squad, which provides military honors at funerals and memorial services.

The Post No. 281 Color Guard marched Old Glory into Council chambers for the Pledge of Allegiance at the beginning of Monday's meeting.

"Let me just first of all congratulate Post 281 for the first-place finish this year, but, more importantly, I want to thank them for their service to our nation," Mayor David Mayer said. "These are a group of veterans that not only continues to serve our community, but has served our nation."

Triton won the first-place prize for marching bands in the parade, held as part of the 92nd annual New Jersey American Legion convention.

Triton band director Bob Adams, who joined Mayer and Council President Glen Bianchini in presenting awards to members of the school's band and its percussion ensemble Monday, commented on Roach's remark that he did not want to "steal the thunder" from the high-school students.

"It's very important, I think, for the students' education to be exposed to what goes on in the American Legion and all the other veteran organizations, for that matter," Adams said.

"Of course, our relationship with Post 281 has been awesome. As far as I'm concerned, gentlemen, you made a comment earlier about stealing our thunder—you have earned the right, as far as I'm concerned, through your service to steal our thunder any time," he added. "If you didn't do what you did, we wouldn't be standing here doing this now, so thank you."

Post No. 281 Commander Mike Lagarde presented the Triton band, which is facing funding cuts, with checks from the American Legion in the total amount of $1,575.

The Triton band's indoor percussion ensemble won the gold medal at the five-state All-Chapter Championship in Wildwood in May. It marked the 11th time the school's percussion ensemble won the award in the National Judges Association and Tournament Indoor Association event's 39-year existence.