Veterans of Foreign Wars Pvt Wm. B. Wilson Post 666

Veterans of Foreign Wars Pvt Wm. B. Wilson Post 666 Welcome to the VFW Pvt Wm. B. Wilson Post #666 page. We are a Beacon area Veterans' organization supporting veteran and community events. The Rev.

Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 666
Centennial 1921 – 2021

In honor of William B Wilson 1st Beaconite KIA in WW1

Who We Are: The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States is a nonprofit Veterans service organization comprised of eligible Veterans and military service members from the active, guard and reserve forces. We trace our roots back to 1899 when veterans of the Spanish-American War (1

898) 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, and they were left to care for themselves. In their misery, some of these veterans banded together and formed organizations that would eventually band together and become known as the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. After chapters were formed in Ohio, Colorado and Pennsylvania, the movement quickly gained momentum. Today, membership stands at more than 1.5 million members of the VFW and its Auxiliary. Our Mission: To foster camaraderie among United States Veterans of overseas conflicts. To serve our Veterans, the military and our communities. To advocate on behalf of all Veterans. Our Vision: Ensure that Veterans are respected for their service, always receive their earned entitlements, and are recognized for the sacrifices they and their loved ones have made on behalf of this great country. Beacon Veterans of Foreign Wars Private William B. Wilson Post 666 commemorated 100 years since receiving its Charter on February 7, 1921 and is named in honor of Pvt Wilson who was killed in action in Belgium on August 19, 1918. Pvt Wilson was the first soldier from Beacon to die in WWI. Pvt Wilson’s military background courtesy of the Beacon Historical Society: “Wilson went off to war with two of his best friends, George VanPelt of Beacon and Herbert Miller of Newburgh. The three, with about 50 other Beacon boys, joined up in Newburgh’s “Company L” of the 107th Infantry Regiment. By late of April 1918, the regiment had landed in France. By mid-August the 107th was seeing its first real action as a backup force to the British in the Dickenbusch Lake sector of Belgium. The doughboys’ position were in clear view of the Germans who were entrenched on nearby Mount Kemmel. The regiment’s historian recalls that Company L, on the day of August 19, was under continuous shelling by the Germans, resulting in several American casualties. One of those was Herbert Miller of Newburgh, William Wilson’s
best friend. Miller lay in No-Man’s Land, too dangerous to be retrieved in daylight. That night of August 19, Private Wilson and Corporal Richard Connery volunteered to go out and bring Miller back to the American trenches. Both men carried Miller on a stretcher under a heavy barrage of mortar fire. Connery was wounded by shrapnel; Wilson was killed by a sniper. Word of Wilson’s and Miller’s deaths reached their hometowns on September 18, 1918. The best friends had died on the same day, August 19, the only two soldiers from Company L to be killed on that day. A Memorial Mass for Wilson was quickly arranged. Michael Aylward, pastor of St. Joachim’s Church, had tears streaming down his face during the eulogy, such was the emotional loss felt for this popular young man. Private Wilson’s body would be brought back in April of 1921, to be interred in St. Joachim’s Cemetery. In 1921, Beacon Veterans would form a new VFW Post and call it the Private William B. Wilson Post 666. After the war, George VanPelt and his comrades from Company L, including Corporal Connery who was with Wilson when he was killed, would come visit Wilson’s mother at her home at 138 Verplank Avenue, to console her and to remember Billy, and how he died for No Greater Love Than This……….” Beaconite Frank Haight organized and was elected the first Commander of VFW Post 666 on Feb 7, 1921 and our Post has been continuously active for the past 100 years. VFW Post 666 continues to support all Veterans especially those Veterans at Castle Point VA where the Post sponsors ice cream socials, bingo, outdoor picnic in Spring, Christmas parties and more. Our sole fund-raiser for these events is the Poppy Program which is held during Memorial Day in May and Veterans Day in November of each year of which the community is very generous in making donations to support Veterans causes. Additionally Post 666 Veterans have assisted in sponsoring monthly American Red Cross Blood Drives at the Veterans Memorial Building, sponsored Boy Scout events such as monthly meetings and Pine Wood Derby, assisted the Beacon Historical Society in cleaning and restoring the War memorials in front of the Memorial Building. Currently Post 666 is collaborating with the Beacon Historical Society in sharing Veterans’ historical documents, photos and artifacts for possible display at the Society’s new home. Post 666 has donated gift cards to the Food Pantry and Nursing Care at Castle Point VA. Donations have also been used to purchase new organizational signs which are displayed in front of the Memorial Building. The signs identify the three Veterans organizations and list meeting times. VFW Post 666 in concert with American Legion Post 203 and Carmen Ramputi Det 861 Marine Corps League and community organizations cleaned the yard and began work on the residence of a long-time Beacon resident and Korean War Veteran. Post 666 also assists with providing funeral details for Veterans at no charge and holds repass at the Memorial Building for those Veterans. Veterans Day ceremonies are held on November 11 of each year by Post 666 even during the Covid19 pandemic. Participation in parades have also been on hold since the pandemic but we look forward to getting back on-line. It is our hope to be able to commemorate the centennial of our Post sometime in 2021 where we can invite the community to celebrate with us. Harold G. Delamater
Commander

Check out for a variety of support services and events. Learn more about the Veteran Buddy Check program, educational ...
07/07/2026

Check out for a variety of support services and events. Learn more about the Veteran Buddy Check program, educational benefits, Veteran discounts and local upcoming events:

Happy Independence Day - America celebrates 250th anniversary! U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs sent this bulletin at 07/01/2026 05:30 PM EDT is a weekly newsletter for Veterans, their families, caregivers, and survivors. Connect with Secretary Collins on X VA INVESTS IN LOCAL CARE....

06/25/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Scott Ramsey
PHONE: (646) 772-5871
EMAIL: [email protected]

CANNONS & COCKTAILS LIVE! THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE: COURAGE, CONVICTION, AND THE CHOICES THAT CHANGED THE WORLD
Popular Beacon Series Brings American Revolutionary History into Modern, Local Conversation
(Beacon, NY June 22, 2026) — Before the Declaration of Independence became one of the most influential documents in history, it was a risky idea debated by imperfect people facing an uncertain future.
This July, Cannons & Cocktails LIVE brings those people and their choices back to life in an evening of storytelling, conversation, and community as America commemorates its 250th anniversary. On Sunday, July 5 at 5:00 p.m. at the Veterans Memorial Building in Beacon, the popular series continues its Revolutionary War 250th Anniversary programming with a conversation exploring the Declaration of Independence.
Hosted by Fort Beacon Studios founder Scott Ramsey and featuring acclaimed military historian Colonel Sean Sculley, the interview, talk-show style program moves beyond familiar history lessons to explore the personalities, debates, risks, and convictions that led thirteen colonies to challenge the most powerful empire in the world. While national in scope, the conversation highlights the Hudson Valley's role in the Revolutionary War and the remarkable history that unfolded throughout the region surrounding Beacon. Far from a traditional lecture, Cannons & Cocktails combines engaging conversation between Ramsey and Colonel Sculley, audience participation, and themed cocktails to create an experience that feels as much like a gathering among friends as a history program.
Typically hosted at Denning's Point Distillery, the ongoing series has become known for bringing together history, culture, craft beverages, and thoughtful community conversation. For this special summer edition, the event will move to the Veterans Memorial Building in Beacon, offering attendees air-conditioned comfort while preserving the intimate atmosphere that has made the series a local favorite.
"This conversation isn’t just about what was happening in 1776," said Scott Ramsey, co-creator and host of Cannons & Cocktails. "It's about courage, conviction, and the moments when people choose to act despite uncertainty. The Declaration of Independence remains one of the most extraordinary examples of that.”
"It’s important to understand that our independence was far from inevitable," said Colonel Sean Sculley. "The Declaration emerged from disagreement, uncertainty, and a willingness to take extraordinary risks. As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, I hope people experience a deeper appreciation for the individuals behind the document and the courage it took to imagine a different future."
"Cannons & Cocktails has become a wonderful extension of what we try to create at Denning's Point Distillery," said Susan Johnson, co-owner of Denning's Point Distillery. "The series brings people together around great stories, meaningful conversation, shared experiences, and the rich history that surrounds us here in the Hudson Valley. We're proud to be a part of a program that has become such a valued part of the local community."
About Cannons & Cocktails
Co-created by Fort Beacon Studios, Dennings Point Distillery, and Colonel Sean Sculley, Cannons & Cocktails has steadily built an audience of residents, history enthusiasts, and curious community members seeking conversations that connect the past to the present. As the nation commemorates the 250th anniversary of the American Revolutionary War and the Declaration of Independence, this series offers audiences an opportunity to engage with America's founding moments and history not as a relic of the past, but as a living conversation about the choices people make when everything is on the line.

EVENT DETAILS
Cannons & Cocktails LIVE: "The Declaration of Independence" Sunday, July 5 @ 5:00 p.m. Veterans Memorial Building 413 Main Street, Beacon, NY
Featuring: Colonel Sean Sculley and Scott Ramsey Cocktails brought to you by: Denning's Point Distillery

Send a message to learn more

If you didn't make the parade in person - check out the City of Beacon YouTube to see the Marine Corps League's Colorgua...
03/16/2026

If you didn't make the parade in person - check out the City of Beacon YouTube to see the Marine Corps League's Colorguard and some of our very own members and family in Colonial garb at the start of the parade!

The City of Beacon "Parade of Green" on Saturday, March 14, 2026

01/09/2026

Our very own Mitch Corrado with Commander Tom on the WPDH Veteran Report!

Great coverage of the Beacon Veteran's Day Event. In case you missed it, click the Journal's like to see more
11/18/2025

Great coverage of the Beacon Veteran's Day Event. In case you missed it, click the Journal's like to see more

See photos from Beacon VFW Post 666's Veterans Day ceremony, where service members from all branches were given their day of honor. bit.ly/4hXK4uM

Join Guardian Revival in September as they complete the Guardian One Mile Challenge - 1 mile for 30 days to raise funds ...
08/04/2025

Join Guardian Revival in September as they complete the Guardian One Mile Challenge - 1 mile for 30 days to raise funds and awareness to combat military, veteran and first responder su***de in the US.

Check out our Events page for the upcoming Movie showing at Veteran's Hall at 1900 on 29APR:The Beacon Historical Societ...
04/14/2025

Check out our Events page for the upcoming Movie showing at Veteran's Hall at 1900 on 29APR:

The Beacon Historical Society is hosting a movie night on April 29th at 7pm. The evening will start with a short talk and the showing of the 1945 classic "They Were Expendable" starring beacon's own LTCDR Robert Montgomery!
Reserve your seat(s) by emailing [email protected].
All are welcome
RESERVATIONS REQUIRED
Light hors d'oeuvers and drinks available
Suggested donation of $50 per person (paid at the door)
Thank you to event sponsor: Viscount Wines and Liquor

Dutchess County is launching the Honor-A-Veteran-Program. This new program will honor a deceased veteran every month fro...
03/27/2025

Dutchess County is launching the Honor-A-Veteran-Program. This new program will honor a deceased veteran every month from April-November. Consider submitting a deceased Dutchess County Veteran who should be spotlighted in the coming months. Please contact your local Vet org or Adam Roche / DC Veteran's Affairs Office for assistance.

Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino and Office of Veterans Affairs Director Adam Roche proudly invite residents to apply for the County’s “Honor a Veteran” program, through which family, friends, and Dutchess County honor a deceased veteran at monthly ce

The Dutchess County Office of Veteran's Affairs (Adam Roche, Director) is trying to best serve our area veterans. If you...
03/27/2025

The Dutchess County Office of Veteran's Affairs (Adam Roche, Director) is trying to best serve our area veterans. If you are a Veteran, family member or caregiver, consider participating in a completely anonymous survey so they can best focus their efforts.

Take this survey powered by surveymonkey.com. Create your own surveys for free.

For our Veterans and others in the Beacon area: Fareground Food Community hosts the Fareground Welcome Table every Frida...
03/22/2025

For our Veterans and others in the Beacon area: Fareground Food Community hosts the Fareground Welcome Table every Friday (1730-1930) at 50 Liberty Street, Beacon
They welcome everyone to share food and community.
This initiative is a collaboration between Fareground, First Presbyterian Church of Beacon, and Songbird.
Check out their website for more details and future dates.
https://www.fareground.org/events

Fareground will also be at the Veteran's Memorial Building on 1JUN 1600-2000. More details to follow.

If you need food and are not able to make it to one of our events, please request an appointment to pick up groceries by texting ‭(845) 901-6687‬.

Address

413 Main Street
Beacon, NY
12508

Telephone

+18453376509

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