Stonington – The officers and members of the James W. Harvey Post 58 of the American Legion recently honored the remarkable 60 years of service to their post by the late Andrew W. Perry II of Stonington.

Serving as seaman first class during World War II, Perry joined the post in 1945. Over the years he held the positions of commander and finance officer.

For many years he marched in the Color Guard on the annual 4th of July Parade in the borough; and also led the decoration of the graves at local cemeteries over the Memorial Day weekend.

Present at the event were his widow, Eleanor Perry, and two grown children – Barbara and Andrew W. Perry III.

The family received a Post Resolution read by Post Vice Commander David Elks and a State Resolution read by Post Adjutant Don Maranell. He was also awarded a state Senate "In Memoriam" Citation prepared by Sens. Andrew Maynard and Catherine Osten, and read by Post Member Rob Simmons.

The event was attended by Town and Borough Officials as well as by the Past State Commander of The American Legion, K. Robert Lewis of New London. Lewis stated that Perry is the first member of any local post in the Connecticut to be so honored.