09/30/2026
There is a unique kind of strength, a rare and noble courage, that belongs to those who answer the call when their country asks them to step into the unknown. Today, as we look at the closing of a long and historic chapter, our hearts turn to the brave men and women who stood on the dusty, sun-baked plains and crowded streets of Iraq.
From our corner of the world here in Austin, Minnesota, we remember every single soul who set foot on that distant ground. We remember the shared burdens of the heat, the heavy gear, and the long, sleepless watches in the dark. But more than that, we remember the profound bond of brotherhood and sisterhood that kept you moving forward, day after day, year after year.
To the veterans of VFW Post 1216, and to every veteran across this great land who served in Iraq; you carried the heavy mantle of freedom. You went not for conquest, but to protect the innocent and to stand as a shield for liberty. The memories you bring home, the laughter shared in a humvee to break the tension, the quiet moments of prayer, the triumphs, and the heartbreaking losses. They are now stitched into the very fabric of our nation’s history.
Some people live an entire lifetime wondering if they ever made a difference in this world. But the American veteran doesn't have that problem.
Yet, the mission does not end when you take off the uniform. The same camaraderie that sustained you overseas is waiting for you right here at home. If you served in the Iraq War, we want you to know that your seat is at our table. VFW Post 1216 is your post. We invite you to join us, to stand alongside fellow veterans who understand your journey, and to help us look after the next generation of heroes. Together, we can ensure that the flame of liberty and the bond of service remain unbroken.
To those who served, to those who still carry the invisible scars of that distant conflict, and to the families who waited anxiously at home: America owes you a debt we can never fully repay. You did your duty with honor, with grit, and with an unyielding devotion to one another.
May God bless our veterans, may He bring comfort to the families of our fallen heroes, and may He continue to bless the United States of America.
