Auxiliary to the VFW-Post 799

05/16/2026

05/16/2026

In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses row on row... (John McCrae)

Each year before Memorial Day, members of VFW Post 799 and VFW Auxiliary 799 can be found distributing Buddy Poppies throughout the community. The Poppy represents the blood shed by American service members. It reiterates the VFW and Auxiliary will not forget their sacrifices.

For our volunteers, it is often a very rewarding experience. One auxiliary member made these remarks:

"This is one of my favorite programs. I get a chance to interact with members of our community on a very personal level. Dozens of times, people tell me how the poppy reminds them of their childhood - how their parents would hand them a poppy and teach them about the sacrifice of our veterans. Many times I see the pride on their faces as they tell me of sons, daughters, and grandchildren current serving in our armed forces. Veterans stop and talk about where they served. This week I met a veteran from every branch of the service.

"Watching the younger fathers and mothers stop and explain to their small children what the poppy means and encouraging them to have an attitude of gratitude for the sacrifice it represents gives me hope. The most amazing conversatoin I had was when a man approached several times before telling me that he had been an orphan in Germany after WWII. A US Army Captain had adopted him and brought him to the US.

"I am continually struck by the generosity and good will of the people in our community."

05/16/2026

Today is Armed Forces Day.

This holiday is recognized annually on the third Saturday in May. Established in 1949, Armed Forces Day is meant to be a celebration of all military branches (Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, National Guard, Navy and Space Force). It differs from Veterans Day in that it’s a day to honor those who are currently serving, and unlike Memorial Day the focus is on the living, not those lost. Each year, the White House releases an official proclamation of the day. In 2024, President Biden’s address read in part, “I call upon all Americans to display the flag of the United States at their homes and businesses on Armed Forces Day, and I urge citizens to learn more about military service by attending and participating in the local observances of the day.” (To read President Trump's proclamation, go to WhiteHouse.gov - it was not yet available as of the scheduling of this post.)

How are you recognizing and celebrating our Armed Forces today? Are you flying the American Flag, participating in a VFW Day of Service activity, co-hosting an event at your Post home, educating fellow citizens with a “Buddy”® Poppy display and distribution or visiting a military base with fellow Auxiliary members? Let us know! Send photos and details to [email protected] with the subject line Armed Forces Day.

We wish a happy Armed Services Day to all who serve! Thank you for your service and sacrifice.

05/14/2026

in 1943, the U.S. Navy's "Mosquito Fleet" struck a major blow in the Pacific Theater as motor torpedo boats, PT-150 and PT-152, successfully engaged and sank the Japanese submarine RO-182 in the Vitiaz Strait off New Guinea. This action highlighted the lethal capability, speed, and outsized impact of these small, wooden-hulled vessels during WWII.

05/14/2026