ROCKLAND — There's only one winner. Unless you consider the longest drive prize for the thirteenth green. Or, if you consider the two beneficiaries of this golf tournament, played annually on the second Friday of September. Or, the veterans and their families who benefit from the fundraisers. Or, perhaps, the sight of an older male doll adorned in golfing gear propped next to the tenth green on a beautiful autumn day.

Any way it's analyzed, there's still no actual trophy.

Shortly after 12 p.m., Friday, Sept. 11, fourteen teams, with between two and four contenders each for a total of 55 registered participants, listened with respect as Gary Gamage, Adjutant for the Sons of American Legion, read from the American Legion words that mark solemn occassions. "It is a great and sacred trust that brings us all together, Lord, on this day set aside for remembrance...." 

Then, the group of veterans, Sons of American Legion members from posts around the state, and members of the Midcoast Area Veterans Memorial wall committe were off, dispersing in carts marked "in honor of" or "in memory of", and with a final request from organizers: Cheat all you want, just make sure the score cards are truthful.

They took to the links of the Rockland Golf Club in support of Midcoast Area Veterans and the Sons of American Legion.

The Midcoast Area Veterans bring us the Memorial Wall in the rear parking lot of American Legion Post 1, 335 Limerock Street, in Rockland. Each year varies in the number of dedication tiles added to the wall. This year's July ceremony introduced six new veteran tiles. Other years have seen as many as 14 tiles, according to sponsor of the tenth green, Ben Perry (and Stanley). Each tile costs the wall committee $175.

The Sons of American Legion supports veterans throughout Maine, including those currently living as far away as Florida.

Left to greet the golfers upon their return two hours later were representatives of Honor Flight Maine and an auction for further fundraising.

And Stanley.