Newtown VFW Planning 75th Anniversary Celebration
Newtown VFW Post 308 will celebrate its 75th anniversary with an afternoon event on Sunday, March 2.
The Veterans of Foreign Wars, a fraternal organization, began in 1899 after the Spanish American War. As of today, there almost 7,000 VFW posts in the United States. Newtown’s post, founded in March 1939, is the eighth oldest in Connecticut.
Since its inception, the Newtown VFW has extended support to veterans and their families. Members participate in many community, municipal and school outreach programs.
Newtown VFW and its men’s and ladies auxiliaries collaborate with schools for Memorial Day and Veterans Day celebrations. They sponsor two writing contests: Patriot Pen, for those in grades 6-8; and Voice of Democracy, for high school students. Participants compete for Post championships and prizes. Post winners then compete for state/national prizes.
VFW and auxiliary members visit with veterans at Masonicare of Newtown every month, and support the state veterans home in Rocky Hill.
Annually, Newtown VFW members place new American flags on the graves of veterans at each of Newtown’s cemeteries just before Memorial Day. Old, unusable flags are retired with the help of the Boy Scouts on Flag Day each year.
The Newtown VFW has also responded to help others during times of need, including support for first responders after 12/14; outreach to the family of the Sparks, Nev., teacher who was killed last year in a school shooting; and outreach to tornado victims in Moore, Okla.
The public is invited to join members of VFW Post 308 for the March 2 celebration. It will begin at 1 pm. Cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and cake will be served.
Past Connecticut State Commander Ed Zamm (1960-61) will present a citation from the National VFW Commander-in-Chief at the celebration.
Reservations are requested and can be sent to vfwpost308newtown@gmail.com.
The Newtown VFW is located on Freedom Defenders Way (formerly 18 Tinkerfield Road), off Mile Hill Road. For additional information call 203-426-9316, visit vfwpost308.com or like the post on Facebook.