Douglas County Commissioners Tim Freeman, Chris Boice and Tom Kress issued a proclamation today at the Weekly Business Meeting calling upon all citizens of Douglas County to observe National Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Day, which is celebrated every year on September 29, 2022. The proclamation was presented by Commissioner Boice, on behalf of the Board and acknowledged that, “Douglas County recognizes that we must always remember that our freedom, principles, and foundations of peace have been built on the sacrifices of our veterans in war; that we have a solemn responsibility to ensure that all living veterans enjoy the quality of life they deserve and are buried with great honor. Today we want to formally recognize the many contributions of our VFWs who have greatly contributed to the continued strength and resilience of America and the success of our democracy.” A copy of the live video presentation can be found on the Douglas County Government Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/DouglasCountyeGovernment.
The Commissioners recognized the men and women of our local Veterans of Foreign Wars Posts and Auxiliaries, for their devotion and commitment to serving those who bravely served our nation. The VFW is the nation’s oldest combat veterans service organization. Members of the VFW have been unwavering in their devotion “to honor the dead by helping the living.” According to the VFW website, “This year marks the 123rd year since the VFW was established. On this date in 1899, a group of 13 Spanish-American war veterans joined together to form what would become the nation’s largest and most dedicated group of combat veterans. Originally called the American Veterans of Foreign Service, the new organization differed from previous veteran fraternal societies as it not only opened membership to all ranks from all branches of service, but also to veterans of all foreign wars. In doing so, the young organization ensured its relevancy to every generation of veterans from that moment on into the future.”.
Commissioner Kress presented National VFW Day proclamation certificates to members of our local VFW posts, as well as their auxiliaries. In attendance were: Patrick W. Kelley VFW Post 2468 Roseburg and VFW Auxiliary to Post 2468: Commander David West, Judge Advocate Michael Eakin, Auxiliary President Valerie West, District Commander Gary Dove, Norma Dove, Richard VanderVelden; VFW Post 3970 Sutherlin and VFW Auxiliary to Post 3970: Commander James Horton and District 12 President Frances Palmateer; Douglas County Veterans Service Office: Director Mary Newman-Keyes and Veterans Service Officer Maria Valdovinos-Chavez; Douglas County Veterans Advisory Committee: Carol Hunt. They also wanted to thank the members of South Umpqua Thacker-Wallace VFW Post 9744 Tri-City, VFW Auxiliary to Post 9744, Amos R. Osborne VFW Auxiliary Post 9745 Winston, VFW Auxiliary to Post 9745 and the Douglas County Veterans Forum for their unwavering support of our local veterans. To learn more about or find your local VFW and VFW Auxiliary log onto https://www.vfw.org/.
I want to thank the veterans that joined us in the room today and all the VFWs around the County for the important work they do for our veterans,” commented Commissioner Freeman. “We highlighted a number of great programs that are offered by our local VFWs, but I think more important than that is that you offer a place for veterans to go where they feel welcomed and supported. That is so incredibly important. Thank you for your work and thank you for your service!”
The proclamation presented today is a reminder to our residents to thank our veterans for their valued service to our country. They also ask that residents take a moment to reflect with great pride on our country and remember with gratitude the contributions of the many loyal and courageous veterans who have carried the torch of freedom and given so much of themselves both at home and on foreign lands to preserve our freedom. #VFWDay and #StillServing
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