The 104th Opening Ceremony for the Pennsylvania American Legion Department Convention started with an impressive program celebrating the Legion Family, Faith, and our departed comrades we've lost this past year. The Call to Order was presented by Department Commander Craig Wilhelm. Post 109 Honor Guard Presented our Colors for the evening followed by the Pledge of Allegiance lead by Department Master Sgt-Arms Stephen Lavelle. A beautiful rendition of the National Anthem was sung by Miss Presley Carnes.

Our faith in God lead the program when Rev. James Fox, Past Department Chaplain called to Worship and the invocation lead by Rev, Donald Cosby, Past Department Chaplain.

Rev. Donald Cosby, Past Department Chaplain read the Old Testament Reading - Isaiah 9:1-7. The New Testament Reading - Luke 12:22-31 and Matthew 11:28-30 was read by Rev. John Trout, Past Department Chaplain.

Rev. Richard Denison, Department Chaplain introduced our guest Speaker Rev. Karis Hagen. Her message was Strength to Serve.

The 5th District Degree Team held the Post Everlasting Ceremony honoring Robert F. Taylor, Jr., Sharon "Sue" Lowe, Gary Ramberger, Reynold "Rey" Woof, Jr., Dennis Koman, Corning Todd Smyth, James H. Hales, Jr., Albert Schraepfer, George Reeder, Ford L. "Skip" Carnes, Jr., Christopher Kough, Walter S. Edwards, Eldon Cummings, Richard Chalmers.

The Memorial wreath was placed by Department Commander Craig Wilhelm, Auxiliary President Kelly Moyer, Riders Director Phil Campbell, and Sons of The American Legion Commander Thomas Walsh.

Post Chaplain of the Year Award was present to Chaplain Elizabeth Hall-Bentzel from Post 109 WWI Memorial. Chaplain Hall-Bentzel also said the closing prayer.