Merrill Stratton honored for 17 years as American Legion commander
By Catie Foertsch Community Reporter

(l to r) Former American Legion Post 163 Vice Commander Luis Torres, Post Assistant Adjutant Nancy Friis-Hansen, and retiring Post Commander Merrill Stratton

Westborough - Korean War veteran Merrill Stratton's 17 years of service as commander of the town's American Legion Post 163 were celebrated June 30 with a dinner party at the Knights of Columbus Hall.

Speakers included State Rep. Karyn E. Polito, RShrewsbury, who said Stratton understood "the importance of making sure every generation of Americans appreciated what veterans died for and served for and are doing to protect our freedom and spread democracy."

Stratton, a 1949 graduate of Hopkinton High School, enlisted in the Army in 1951 during the Korean War. He served in combat in Korea from 1951 to 1953. He married his wife, Betty, in 1960, and the couple is currently celebrating 47 years of marriage.

Stratton is also a history buff, studying the Revolutionary and Civil wars in particular. He is a member of several historical organizations, including the Custer Battlefield Historical Museum Association. He is also a member of the Korean War Veterans of Massachusetts and the Massachusetts Committee for POWs and MIAs.

An AL member since 1967, Stratton has been Westborough's post commander since 1990.

Master of Ceremonies Nancy Friis-Hansen, a World War II veteran of the Army Nurses Corps and assistant adjutant at the Westborough legion post, talked about the services the legion performs, and commented on the difficulty veterans service organizations have in attracting new members.

"Where are all the veterans?" she asked. "How can we improve our recruiting eff orts?"

Post 163 has its offices in the historic, town-owned Spur House on Parkman Street. Post 163's activities include sending high school juniors to the Boy's State program, which allows them to learn about government by participating in legislative sessions and court proceedings. Post 163 also presents scholarships and leadership awards to high school seniors, and participates in the town's Memorial Day parade and Veterans Day ceremonies.

Polito talked about Stratton's dedication to patriotism and commitment to his country.

"He's a true American," she said, and "we need to make sure we rise to the high standards Merrill has set for us."

Michael DuPlessis, commander of the Westborough Veteran's of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 9013, presented Stratton with a lifetime VFW pin, a proclamation of appreciation for his service and a gift.

Stratton said he was sustained in his 17 years as post commander by camaraderie and the satisfaction of doing important work. He called for all veterans to join the American Legion. And, he said, his dream was for an American flag to be displayed on every house and every building in Westborough and across the state.

"If you live in America and enjoy your freedom," he said, "it's your responsibility to display the flag."

Stratton promised to remain active in legion activities and to keep participating in the town's Memorial Day parade.

Friis-Hansen and former vice commander Luis Torres organized the party. More than 60 veterans and their family members attended, along with selectmen Tim Dodd and Lydia Goldblatt, who presented Stratton with a proclamation of appreciation for his service from the Board of Selectmen.