February 25 the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 6143, will celebrate 75 years of service to veterans.
After the Spanish-American War in 1889, veterans returned home to experience hardships they had never faced before. The same was true after the Philippine Insurrection of 1899-1902.
Veterans were the first to recognize what types of assistance was needed to support fellow veterans returning home. Veterans formed groups of support which later became known as The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States.
The Weatherford VFW Post 6143 is celebrating their 75th birthday. As stated in their charter, the local VFW was formed February 25, 1946, “having been submitted in due form by veteran who have served honorably in the Army, Navy and Marine Corps of the United States of America in wars, campaigns and expeditions.”
The first meeting of the new VFW Post 6143 was at a local downtown location, which did not become a permanent home. When Lockstone Funeral Home built a new building, the VFW Post purchased the old Lockstone building, where they still have meeting twice a month on the first and third Tuesday.
February 25, the Weatherford VFW Post will celebrate the 75-year milestone, by serving cake and punch to everyone who wants to attend. The event begins 5:30 p.m. at 201 N. Custer. Participants can bring old photos of VFW events showing members from the last few years to share memories and stories.
Since inception, the scope of Veterans’ involvement has increased however veterans still care about veterans and do multiple tasks and programs to support each other. Foreign war veterans interested in supporting other veterans, veterans’ centers and hospitals, providing scholarships to high school and middle school students, supporting the National Home for Children, being involved in numerous community support programs. If interested please contact Jimmy Pitzer at (580) 772-4386 to be a part of Veterans Who Care about Veterans.