FLOYD E. BREEDLOVE KATY, TEXAS New Members Guide Version 1.4 May 2018
Commander s Welcome Letter COMRADE, Welcome to VFW Post 9182. I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you to our post. We are delighted to have you in our ranks, and will do everything possible to make this post feel like home to you. You will be among fellow veterans who have shared the experience of combat or hazardous duty in defense of the nation. You will find that despite whatever conflict you were in, whatever your age or branch of service, you will form a bond of trust and love among your comrades. We respect each other and the kinship that can only come from shared past military service, burns brightly here. In addition, we have an Auxiliary that would be available to eligible family members. I am sure they would love to have them join the rolls. After all, the Auxiliary works in tandem with the Post in the fight to support and preserveveteran rights. I invite you to attend our monthly General Membership Meetings, as you are able. The meetings are held at the Post on the first Monday of the month. An open joint hour begins at 1830 hours and the gavel is set down promptly at 1930 hours for the members only business meeting. When you come to your first meeting, we will ask you to give us a brief introduction of yourself, your military experiences, your family, and your expectations on what we can do to make your membership with us mutually beneficial. Katy is a very active post with a proud legacy of accomplishment and service. We are community oriented, deeply care about our fellow veterans, and work with all sectors of the local population to spread the word and advocate for those who have worn the uniform. There is much to do in this Post. Our Honor Guard is always looking for new recruits, our Museum Director would appreciate any help you can give him, and the activities we participate in are numerous. Trust me, you will not be bored working the many projects we undertake each year. I ask that you refer to our Web Site to gain an appreciation of exactly the level of activity on going and our calendar of events that are planned. I also provide a monthly newsletter that brings additional information on the movements within the post. The information provided in this package is intended to familiarize you with a brief overview of the history of the VFW, its mission, traditions and protocol, and how our Post supports our veterans and the community. Let me stress that your involvement will be key to the continued success of the post, and we welcome and encourage your participation. Again, welcome aboard! Respectfully, Commander, VFW Post 9182
N e w V F W M E M B E R G U I D E V F W P O S T 9182 TABLE OF CONTENTS History of the VFW.1 Purpose of the VFW...1 Post Elected Officers...2 Appointed Officers..2 Meeting Times 2 Post Committee..2 Post Honor Guard 3 Motion in Meetings..4 Remember..4 Pledge of Allegiance.4 The Meeting 5 Directions Pursued by the VFW 6 Post 9182 History.. 6 Post Uniform.. 7 Cap Size. 7 History of the Buddy Poppy..8 Cross of Malta..9 Patriotic Days.12 Important Dates.14
Congratulations and Welcome to the VFW The purpose of this guide is to help our new members of VFW Post 9182 become acquainted with the practices and procedures of the VFW and the local post. The members of VFW Post 9182 welcome you into our ranks! Please feel free to contact any member or officer with any questions you may have about our post or the VFW. This manual is intended to give you a basic understanding of who we are and what we do. If you need answers in more detail, please refer to the VFW Manual of bylaws procedure and ritual (available from the Quartermaster or our post bylaws which are available from the post Adjutant). You can also order a copy from the VFWStore.org). If you have special personal needs please contact our Commander or Service Officer. The VFW traces its roots back to 1899 when veterans of the Spanish-American War (1898) and the Philippine Insurrection (1899-1902) founded local organizations to secure rights and benefits for their service: Many arrived home wounded or sick. There was no medical care or veterans' pension for them, H I S T O R Y o f t h e v f w and they were left to care for themselves. In their misery, some of these veterans banded together and formed organizations with what would become known as the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, as a result of amalgamations over a period of years since 1899 of five separate foreign service organizations that had the same ideals and similar requirements for membership. On May 28, 1936, Congressional Charter incorporated the VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS OF THE UNITED STATES. P u r p o s e o f t h e v f w As defined by section 230102 of the Congressional Charter The purpose of this corporation shall be fraternal, patriotic, historical, charitable and educational; to preserve and strengthen comradeship among its members; to assist worthy comrades; to perpetuate the memory and history of our dead, and to assist their widows and orphans; to maintain true allegiance to the Government of the United States of America, and fidelity to its Constitution and laws; to foster true patriotism; to 1 maintain and extend the institutions of American freedom; and to preserve and defend the United States from all her enemies, whomsoever.
POST ELECTED OFFICERS Commander - Leader of the Post and presides over post meetings. Senior Vice Commander - Leads when Commander is unavailable, assist the Commander. Akin to the military Executive Officer. Junior Vice Commander - Leads if the Commander and Sr. Vice Commander are unavailable, and assist the Commander and Sr. Commander. Akin to the military 1 st Sergeant of the Post. Quartermaster - Post Treasurer and material procurer. Chaplain - Performs prayers in meetings and special veterans services. Trustees (Yr. 1, Yr. 2, Yr. 3) are also elected but are not considered Line officers. Their duty is to audit the Post Quartermasters financial books quarterly. APPOINTED OFFICERS Adjutant - Maintains post member, meeting and correspondence records. Judge Advocate Assists Commander with Post and VFW procedures. Surgeon - Educates Post members on veterans health related issues. Officer of the Day - Performs duties as specified by the Commander. Service Officer - Assists members of the post. Their widows and orphans in obtaining their lawful entitlements from federal and state governments. Museum Director Oversees the activities of the museum. POST COMMITTEES Finance Oversight Maintain and process Requests For Expenditures (RFE) Membership - Verifies the eligibility of potential new members. Budget Draws up a proposed Post budget for the next fiscal year. Buddy Poppy Sets up & runs Buddy Poppy program for pre-memorial Day. Rodeo & Parade Coordinates with the Katy Livestock and Rodeo committee (KLSRA) for volunteers for annual rodeo in February 4 th of July Operates the annual 4 th of July live & silent auction and lunch. Rice Harvest Festival & Parade Coordinates for staffing Post table and parade during 2 day festival in October. Other Additional committees are established as needed. MEETING TIMES VFW Post 9182 meetings are held the first Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. 2
POST Honor Guard The Post Honor Guard has three main functions: 1) to be the public face of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9182; 2) to provide final military honors to eligible military veterans (the active duty military may only provide two people for the duties now and not for every veteran), and 3) Color Guard for numerous flag events. The Honor Guard currently performs an average of 6 funerals/memorial services each month and 3 color guard events per month. The Military Honors generally range from 1 funeral a month (very rare) to 13 per month (one time). The Color Guard, either United States and Texas flags with two riflemen, seven flags (United States, Texas, Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard) and two riflemen. The Post provides each Honor Guard member, 2 short sleeve white Army shirts with VFW Honor Guard patch on left sleeve, one pair of Navy black/dark navy shade trousers, one Honor Guard Service Hat, VFW emblem for left collar, American/VFW crossed flags for right collar, gold rope worn attached to left sleeve, and one black tie with white VFW Symbol. The member is responsible for black shoes, socks, black belt, VFW Tie with red emblem, and Navy/black coat for winter with button to attach gold rope. During Military appreciation Week and Memorial Day activities, Independence Day activities (over several days), and Veteran s Day activities, the color guard will perform up to 10 flag functions. The Honor Guard has monthly training and the Post provides a meal generally after every single function except on the major events, one or two meals may be provided. The Honor Guard does not charge for our services, but accepts donations and no monetary levels are ever discussed. In June of 2016, the Post Honor guard was requested by the City of Katy Texas to raise the three flags at the new City Hall, and we generally perform Color Guard activities at Memorial Day, Independence Day, Veteran s Day, Home Football Game for the Katy ISD (usually the first weekend in November) and other events. We have helped a Navy veteran of WW II and Korean War celebrate his 100th birthday. The VFW Post has a form on the Post website for requesting Honor Guard services. We always need volunteers. To join, please contact the Honor Guard Captain. 3
Remember those that Served and never came home. M o t i o n I n M e e t i n g s There are two sections in meeting where post business or money spending motions are entertained: Old business - decisions made on business not finished in the last meeting. New business - new motions are made here. Note - Quartermaster can ask for motions on matters pertaining to his report during his report. Motions are made and acted upon in the following manner. A motion is made then seconded. Then the motion is discussed. After the discussion is finished a vote is taken. Post Business or money spending motions are not done under Good of the Order. R e m e m b e r The VFW is politically only concerned with veterans and servicemen's issues not partisan politics. The VFW has prayers to God in its rituals, but does not endorse a particular religion. The VFW supports civic and educational activities, but does not direct them. The VFW offers a hand up to distressed veterans, but not necessarily a hand out. Draping the Charter is only done for members of our post. The use of swear words during meetings is not acceptable. To speak to the membership during meetings you have to be recognized by the Commander. Interrupting a comrade who has been recognized to speak by the Commander is not allowed. When speaking to or addressing a person at a meeting, they should be addressed as Comrade or if they are an officer then they should be addressed as Comrade (title). Please stand and salute during this process. P L E D G E o f a l l e g i a n c e All VFW Meetings start with The Pledge of Allegiance. Please stand and salute the United States of America Flag or place hand over heart. "I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. The Pledge of Allegiance is the official oath of loyalty of the United States of America. 4
T h e M e e t i n g 1. Proper Attire: The proper attire for the meeting is the VFW hat (no ball caps unless authorized for medical purposes), name badge and casual clothes. The cap and badge can be purchased from the online VFW Store found at http://vfwstore.org/. The post will reimburse a new Comrade, for the cost of the hat, after attending 3 consecutive meetings. Provide the receipt to the Post Quartermaster after the 3rd consecutive meeting. The Quartermaster will verify attendance and provide reimbursement. See the Quartermaster before or after any Business Meeting if you have any questions. For additional information, refer to page 6. 2. The Commander's use of Gavel means: A. One loud rap: Be seated and give your attention to the member that has the floor. B. Two loud raps:stand. 3. When you wish to address the post: Raise your hand for recognition by the commander. When recognized, stand, and salute and state your informationor report (in a voice loud enough to be heard by all) i.e. "Sir", (or Comrade Commander). Comrade (your name), I wish to report on...(at the end).. state...) "Commander, that completes my report." Salute and be seated. The commander will return the salute. 4. Leaving the meeting room during the course of the meeting: If you wish to leave the meeting room during the course of the meeting, take the following action: "Stand, salute the Commander 5 and retire quietly from the room. Upon return, salute the Commander and return to your seat. 5. "Meeting ethics: During the course of the meeting, make every effort not to disturb the forum. If discussion is necessary with a fellow member, keep it at a very low tone. Be brief. If a point is made during meeting that is not clear to you, don't hesitate to ask for recognition and have the point clarified. Feel free to participate, after all... it is your post! 6. Effort not to pass: Make every effort not to pass between the Commander's podium and the altar. This is considered "Hallowed Ground"...in memory of our departed comrades. 7. Quartermaster's report: The quartermaster's report of receipt and disbursement is usually condensed so as to expedite the meeting. If a member wishes to review the QM's worksheet and ledger for a detailed account of the month's financial activities, the QM and his records will be available at the close of the meeting. The financial records are always open to any post member upon request. 8. Post Standing Rules review: If a member desires to review the Post Standing Rules, the Adjutant has the information. You can obtain a copy of the Post By-Laws on the Post Web Site. If you have any questions, ask him. Remember, there are no dumb questions. We all started as a new member at some time in the past. 9. The Post Meeting is an opportunity for the Staff and various chairmen to brief the membership. Additionally, the membership is appraised of key developments or activities that have an impact on them.
DIRECTIONS PURSUED BY THE VFW Aid and/or a financial band-up to servicemen & veterans and their families when in distress or need. Community service, where appropriate. Informing the community and our youth of the requirements of maintaining our country's freedoms and rights and reminding them of the sacrifices others have made to keep those freedom and rights. Inspiring patriotism in the community by example and deed. Supporting our servicemen and their families while they are deployed. The Floyd E. Breedlove Veterans of foreign Wars Post 9182 is located in Katy, Texas, and is in Texas District 17. The Katy VFW Post, chartered June 19, 1947, is named after Floyd E. Breedlove, a Katy resident and B-17 pilot who was the first Katy resident to die in WWII when he was shot down over France in 1944. The VFW Ladies Auxiliary 9182 was rechartered in 1991. The VFW National Convention passed a resolution to allow male spouses and family members to join and removed the word Ladies from the title to become the VFW Auxiliary. Post 9182 history The Post could not achieve all of these awards without active members and new members joining and taking an interest in the activities of the Post. Thank you for choosing and serving The Floyd E. Breedlove VFW Post 9182 in Katy, Texas. The Post has worked hard to help those veterans, military members, and others needing help in the community. The Post has been recognized as being an All State Post and an All American Post. The post received those accolades with membership, promoting the programs of the VFW, performing community service and volunteering in the community. 6
P OST UNIFORM The National By-Laws require that elected and appointed officers wear regulation caps in VFW meetings, it would be optional for other post members. The regulation cap is the only cap approved to wear at a post meeting. When members are wearing Post Hats, it is required to salute as wearing the VFW cap is considered to be in uniform. Note: As a veteran you have the right to render the Hand Salute, with or without your hat, during any occasion that involves the U.S. Flag. The impression we give to the Public represents the Post and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Note: All VFW merchandise, to include uniform hats, shirts, jackets and patches may be purchased from the VFW on-line store found at http://vfwstore.org/. See the Quartermaster before or after any Business Meeting if you have any questions. CAP SIZE How To Measure Your Head for a VFW Cap When ordering the official VFW Hat, please tell us your current correct size. If you have not purchased a new hat recently, please measure your head. Sizes vary with hair style, weight loss /gain, and age. Using a tape measure, measure the widest part of your head, just above the ears and eyebrows, to the nearest 1/8th inch, order a little bigger so the fit won t be tight and uncomfortable. This will make sure that the VFW Hat you order is correct in size, as each hat is customized for you. The wrong size could cost you the price of second hat. You may want to order just a little bigger for comfort. Getting the correct size will give you years of wearing pleasure. 7
HISTORY OF THE BUDDY POPPY In the World War I battlefields of Belgium, poppies grew wild amid the ravaged landscape. How could such a pretty little flower grow wild while surrounded by death and destruction? The overturned soils of battle enabled the poppy seeds to be covered, thus allowing them to grow and to forever serve as a reminder of the bloodshed during that and future wars. The poppy movement was inspired by the poem "In Flanders Fields" written by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae of the Canadian forces in 1915, before the United States entered World War I. Selling replicas of the original Flanders' poppy originated in some of the allied countries immediately after the Armistice. Madam Guerin, who was recognized as "the Poppy Lady from France", sought and received the cooperation of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, early in 1922, after the Franco-American Children's League was dissolved. The VFW conducted a poppy sale prior to Memorial Day, 1922, using only poppies that were made in France. In the 1923 poppy sale, due to the difficulty and delay in getting poppies from France, the VFW made use of a surplus of French poppies that were on hand and the balance was provided by a firm in New York City manufacturing artificial flowers. The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States was the first veteran organization to promote a nationally organized campaign, for the annual distribution of poppies assembled by American disabled and needy veterans. In 1924, the VFW patented the name "Buddy Poppy" for their version of the artificial flower. Buddy Poppy proceeds represents no profit to any VFW unit. All the money contributed by the public for Buddy Poppies is used for veteran welfare, or for the well being of their needy dependents and the orphans of veterans. Following the 1924 sale, the VFW believed it would stimulate local sales if the poppies they used were assembled by disabled veterans in hospitals within their own jurisdiction. The 1924 encampment of the VFW at Atlantic City granted this privilege, under the provision that all poppies would be produced according to specifications set forth by the National Buddy Poppy Committee, and that all poppies would be assembled by disabled veterans in government hospitals and by needy veterans in workshops supervised by the VFW. Around the same year, the American Legion Auxiliary adopted the poppy as the organization's memorial flower and pledged its use to benefit our servicemen and their families. Today, the poppy continues to provide a financial and therapeutic benefit to those hospitalized and disabled veterans who construct them, as well as benefiting thousands of other veterans and their families. 8
HISTORY OF THE BUDDY POPPY - Continued Each nine-piece poppy is made by veterans for veterans in Auxiliary sponsored Poppy Shops that supplement physical and psychological therapy needed by hospitalized and disabled veterans. The Auxiliary provides the materials and the volunteers. The veteran makes the poppy and is paid a small amount for each painstakingly made flower. For some it is their only income. No matter what the cost of maintaining and supplying the Poppy Shops, the memorial poppy is never sold, but given in exchange for a contribution. poppy has become a nationally known and recognized symbol of sacrifice and is worn to honor the men and women who served and died for their country in all wars. Today, VFW Buddy Poppies are still assembled by disabled and needy veterans in VA Hospitals. Post 9182 performs distribution activities twice a year; Memorial Day weekend and on Veterans Day. The Post reserves the right to conduct limited distributions on special occasions. Each year around Memorial Day, the Veterans of Foreign Wars members and the Ladies Auxiliary members volunteer to distribute millions of bright red poppies, in exchange for contributions to assist disabled and hospitalized veterans. The program provides multiple benefits to the veterans and to the community. The hospitalized veterans who make the flowers are able to earn a small wage, which helps to supplement their incomes and makes them feel more self-sufficient. The physical and mental activity provides many therapeutic benefits as well. Donations are used exclusively to assist and support veterans and their families. The poppy also reminds the community of the past sacrifices and continuing needs of our veterans. The In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below. We are the Dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved, and now we lie In Flanders fields. Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high. If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders fields. 9
The cross of malta History shows that the Cross of Malta, the emblem of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, is 1,000 years old. Nearly ten centuries ago the Maltese Cross was made the symbol of fighting men who were united by a solemn pledge of comradeship to fight for freedom and to aid the sick and the needy. Those ancient obligations are still symbolized by the Cross of Malta today, for the more than two million former service men who are the Veterans of Foreign Wars. The Cross of Malta is the symbol of their battles in time of war and of their campaign to defend the God given rights of human beings in time of peace. The Cross of Malta symbolizes the compassion, or sympathy, of those men and women for the needy. It is the sign of services which our contemporary veterans render to help make living a little better for everyone. To appreciate fully the original meaning of the Cross of Malta we must look back a thousand years, to the Crusaders serving in the Middle East. There we find the Knights of St. John, the worlds first great brotherhood of warriors pledged to chivalry. The Knights of St. John represented all walks of life. They were noblemen and priests, artisans and laborers. Regardless of those differences, however, they were united by a solemn pledge of unwavering courage and compassion. Together they fought against oppression. They carried their crusades far from home across deserts and seas, into the Holy Land, Cyprus, Rhodes and Malta. At the same time they administered to the sick, the needy and to the poor. The Crusaders adopted the Cross of Malta as their insignia because its eight points represented the eight Beatitudes prescribed in the Sermon on the Mount. Those, in effect, declare (1) blessed are the poor in spirit, (2) the meek, (3) the pure, (4) the merciful, and (5) the peacemakers, (6) blessed are they that mourn, and (7) seek righteousness, and (8) blessed are they who are persecuted for righteousness sake. The Cross of Malta had a religious origin but the Knights of St. John also made it their battle standard for the liberation of all men, women and children who suffered oppression. The ideals for which the original Crusaders fought parallel the principles of democracy today, freedom and justice. Centuries passed to the year 1899. Again fighting men banded together. Again they pledged themselves to campaign for the rights of mankind and to administer to the sick, the needy and to the poor. That was the birth of a new organization, known today as the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. Why did the Veterans of Foreign Wars select the Cross of Malta emblem? What has been added to the 10
The cross of malta - continued Cross and what does the symbol mean? Let us look at the VFW ensign closely. We see the eight-pointed Maltese Cross. Upon the Cross is superimposed the Great Seal of the United States, encircled by the name, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. Within the circle is the American eagle, the emblem of a proud nation whose warriors of many generations have fought and sacrificed to preserve the free mans way of living. Between the four arms of the Cross, the Veterans of Foreign Wars has added the suns rays to emphasize the vigor and warmth with which the present day brotherhood defends our ideals. Every detail in the VFW emblem has definite meaning. The Cross, the rays and the seal together symbolize the vows, purpose and character of men and women who have traveled far from home to defend humanity. The Veterans of Foreign Wars is the worlds oldest and largest overseas war veterans organization. It is chartered by the Congress of the United States. That charter states specifically that the objects of the VFW shall be fraternal, patriotic, historical and educational; that its members shall preserve and strengthen comradeship; that they shall maintain allegiance to the government of the United States and fidelity to its laws; that VFW members shall foster true patriotism, extend American freedom and defend this nation from all enemies. Upon joining the Veterans of Foreign Wars, a person vows in the presence of Almighty God and the members of this order to maintain loyalty to the government, to the VFW, and to there fellow comrades. When the Cross of Malta is bestowed upon a new VFW member, he or she is pledged to advance the principles of the organization. Like the original Crusaders 1,000 years ago, the 2.1 million members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars today fulfill their vows through a wide variety of vigorously executed services. The VFW is also joined by 750,000 members of our Ladies Auxiliary in our efforts. They foster true patriotism, and strengthen the institutions of freedom by word and deed. They improve their cities, towns and neighborhoods through community service. They give aid to worthy comrades and to the widows and orphans. They extend helping hands to the needy and the sick. Like the original Knights of St. John, those who wear the VFW Maltese Cross express their comradeship in terms of service. These are the reasons why the Veterans of Foreign Wars chose the Cross of Malta as its emblem. The Cross of Malta symbolizes truly the character and objectives of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. People qualified through military service to wear the VFW Cross of Malta do so with pride because that emblem represents the highest of ideals. Every member has earned the Cross of Malta proudly - and he or she wears it proudly. 11
Patriotic days Loyalty Day May 1 st First observed in 1927 as Americanization Day, this day has been set aside for the reaffirmation of loyalty to the United States and for the recognition of the heritage of American freedom. It s a day little known to most working Americans, but one that should be celebrated openly as a remembrance of our collective responsibility to continue the legacy of liberty handed down by our founding fathers. Memorial Day Last Monday in May This is a sacred day to war veterans, on which all Americans should reflect on lives lost by their countrymen in wartime. Personal moments to reflect on such loss are appropriate for all. Public displays of remembrance are appreciated by veterans especially, such as raising the U. S. flag to half mast until noon, or inviting a veteran to speak about their experiences at your school or place of business. Memorial Day should leave each of us with a better appreciation for those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms. Flag Day June 14 th Flag Day is held to honor the United States Flag and commemorate the Flag s adoption. Whether referred to as The Stars and Stripes or Old Glory or by many other names, this symbol of America and our nation s democratic ideals get a well deserved tribute by veterans. Independence Day July 4 th This day recognizes the anniversary of the publication of the Declaration of Independence from Great Britain in 1776 and the birth of our nation. Patriotic displays and family events are organized throughout the United States and many people take the opportunity to embrace all things red, white, and blue. Mom, baseball, and apple pie tend to take center stage as well, as this classic celebration has deep roots in the American tradition of political freedom and the American ideal. 12
Patriotic days - continued Remember those that Served and never came home. Patriot Day September 11 th One of our nation s newest and most sorrowing days of remembrance. Where were you on September 11th 2001? This annual observance serves to remember those who were injured or died during the terrorist attacks in the United States that day; whether in New York City, at the Pentagon, or in the fields of Pennsylvania. United States government buildings worldwide fly the flag at halfmast and a moment of silence is observed at 8:46 a.m., Eastern Standard Time marking the first terrorist strike at the World Trade Center that day. Patriot Day is uniquely American as it represents our collective memory of the day when our citizens, police, firemen, servicemen and innocent bystanders were attacked. POW/MIA Day Third Friday in September This is the day our black flag flies highest, for those who have been Prisoners Of War (POW) or remain Missing In Action (MIA) are not to be forgotten. Many Americans take the time to remember not only the POW/MIA, but their family members and loved ones as well. As for the black flag, all military installations fly the National League of Families POW/MIA flag, which symbolizes the nation s remembrance of those who were imprisoned while serving in conflicts and those who remain missing. Veterans Day November 11 th This day is the anniversary of the signing of the Armistice, which ended the World War I hostilities between the Allied nations and Germany in 1918. Veterans have since been thanked by those in public office and communities across the country for their services and sacrifices in defense of the United States. Today, Veterans Day is intended to honor and thank all military personnel who served the United States in all wars, particularly living veterans. It is marked by parades and church services and in many places the American flag is flown at half-mast. A period of silence lasting two minutes may be held at 11:00 a.m., Eastern Standard Time. Pearl Harbor Day December 7 th A day that will live in infamy as President Franklin D. Roosevelt announced to a joint session of Congress and the nation the day after the Imperial Japanese Navy air attack on the U. S. Pacific Fleet at Pearl Harbor, Oahu in the Hawaiian Islands in 1941. War in the Pacific had finally come. Some of our local veterans were personally impacted by this event, due either to their Japanese- American heritage or later voluntary service in the Pacific or European theaters of war. 13
Important dates The VFW honors those that served and serving in theaters of war with remembering those important dates to signify those Wars, Operations and Campaigns. The Important Dates in this section are those dates that each Post in the VFW remember each year. January 27 th -Signing of the Vietnam Peace Accord in 1973 February 15 th - Sinking of U.S.S. Maine, 1898 February 28 th - Operation Desert Storm March 11 th K-9 Veterans Day March 24 th - Kosovo Campaign March 31 st - Somalia Operation May 1 st - Loyalty Day May 8 th -VE Day: German unconditional surrender signed, 1945. May 17 th Armed Forces Day Last Monday of May - Memorial Day June 6 th - D Day: Allied invasion of Europe, 1944. June 14 th - Flag Day June 19 th Katy VFW Post 9182 Charter Anniversary - 1947 July 4 th - Independence Day Our Post holds its Annual Auction, Silent Auction and Lunch on this date, each year. July 27 th - Signing of the Korean Armistice in 1953 August 31 st - Operation Iraqi Freedom September 2 nd - VJ Day: Japan surrendered, 1945, ending World War II fighting. September 11 th - Patriot's Day. Third Friday in September - POW/MIA Recognition Day. September 29 th - VFW Birthday October 18 th - Recognition of Women in Military Service November 11 th - Signing World War I Armistice, 1918, Veterans Day December 7 th - Pearl Harbor Day, 1941 birthdays U.S. Air Force - September 18, 1947 U.S. Army - June 14, 1775 U.S. Coast Guard - August 4, 1790 U.S. Marines - November 10, 1775 U.S. Navy - October 13, 1775 14