American Legion Auxiliary Unit 189 President Sophie Liberatore handing over the gavel to newly elected President Marsha Cornelius, the officers of the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 189. (From left to right) Marsha Cornelius, President; Rudy Hoke, Treasurer; Sophie Liberatore, Former President; Marge Root, First Vice; Jane Utegg, Secretary; and Debbie Wheeler, Second Vice. (Photo by Sarah Giglio)

NORWICH — The American Legion Auxiliary Post 189 welcomed their newly elected president on Monday.

Sophie Liberatore, current president, passed on her gavel to incoming president Marsha Cornelius. Liberatore has served as president for the last five years, and in the past has held other positions at the Legion.

"I've been president for five years. Before that I was secretary and different vices. I've held a lot of different positions here," said Liberatore.

Cornelius, the newly appointed president and lifetime Chenango County resident, said while nervous, she was glad to take the role, and did so as an honor to her father, a World War II veteran.