VFW Auxiliary 4938

07/01/2026

As the USA celebrates 250 years of freedom, let's honor the veterans who defended it, the families who supported them, and the neighbors who make our community strong. Join the VFW family in Edmond as we celebrate our nation's past, serve its present, and help build an even brighter future for the next generation.

'Fox & Friends' co-hosts Steve Doocy explores Edmond, Oklahoma, as the town showcases its patriotic spirit ahead of its 54th annual LibertyFest parade.

05/24/2026

This Memorial Day weekend as we recognize all those who have served our country that are no longer with us, we want to recognize six young men from Edmond who answered the call to serve during the Vietnam War and made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. Four of these young heroes are at Gracelawn Cemetery.

All six were graduates of Edmond High School. Their sacrifice left such a lasting impact on this community that in 1975, Edmond High School was renamed Edmond Memorial High School in their honor.

Four of those young men now rest here at Gracelawn Cemetery:
SGT John Charles Wilson
SSG Allen Matthew Garrett
CPL James Earl Johnson
SGT James Michael Leonard

We also remember SPC Danny Jean Shores and Floyd Wendell Frazier Jr., whose lives and sacrifices are forever part of the story of Edmond’s Lost Six.

This Memorial Day, we invite our community to help ensure these heroes are remembered once more during the 2026 Wreaths Across America Ceremony at Gracelawn Cemetery on Saturday, December 19, 2026 at 10:00 AM.

Each of the four heroes buried at Gracelawn needs a wreath sponsored for the ceremony. Sponsors may choose to sponsor one wreath, multiple wreaths, or all four if they wish. Those who sponsor also have the opportunity, if they would like, to personally place the wreath at the grave of the veteran they sponsored during the ceremony.

These were not just names in history books. They were sons, classmates, friends, and members of this community whose futures were cut short in service to our country.

As we gather with family this holiday weekend, may we remember the price that was paid for the freedoms we enjoy today and ensure that these six young men from Edmond are never forgotten.

The sponsorship link for the four veterans buried at Gracelawn Cemetery will be included below:
https://wreathsacrossamerica.org/OK0111P

Edmond History Museum Downtown Edmond City of Edmond Parks and Recreation, GovernmentCity of Edmond, Government

05/22/2026

Long before organizations like the American Red Cross existed in the United States, Antoinette C. Snow Constant was serving as a Civil War nurse, dedicating her life to caring for wounded and sick soldiers during one of the darkest periods in American history.

Born in 1841, Antoinette lived through the Mexican War, Civil War, Spanish-American War, and World War I. During the Civil War, she served through the sanitary department, the organization responsible for caring for soldiers before the modern Red Cross was established. She made bandages, prepared food and medical supplies, raised funds, and later worked directly with wounded soldiers in Leavenworth, Kansas. The work was so physically demanding that her health permanently suffered from the long hours spent caring for others.

After coming to Oklahoma, she continued a lifetime devoted to service. She worked as a Presbyterian missionary among Native communities near Wewoka, taught school, volunteered with the Edmond Red Cross during World War I, and remained deeply involved in church and charitable work throughout her life. Those who knew her remembered her “untiring service and devotion to good works.”

Today, Antoinette Constant rests at Gracelawn Cemetery in Edmond.

You can sponsor a wreath in memory of Antoinette Constant or another veteran laid to rest at Gracelawn Cemetery. If you choose to sponsor a specific veteran’s wreath, you also have the option to personally place that wreath at their grave during the Wreaths Across America ceremony on December 19, 2026 at 10:00 a.m.

Many families and community members choose this as a meaningful way to honor a loved one, remember a veteran’s service, or personally take part in ensuring these stories are never forgotten.

Sponsor a wreath or learn more at the link below:
https://wreathsacrossamerica.org/OK0111P

2026 Wreaths Across America Ceremony at Gracelawn Cemetery

05/22/2026

Lieutenant Colonel John Matkins “Matt” Kincade dedicated his life to serving others, both in uniform and through his passion for mentoring future aviators. A veteran of both the United States Navy and the United States Air Force Reserve, Matt served his country for more than two decades as a fighter pilot, instructor pilot, combat veteran, and leader. Throughout his distinguished military career, he flew the F/A-18 Super Hornet, F-16 Fighting Falcon, and T-38 Talon, accumulating more than 3,200 flight hours, including over 123 hours in combat operations supporting both Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. He was twice selected as Reserve T-38 Instructor Pilot of the Year and later flew commercially as a Boeing 737 First Officer for American Airlines.

Matt lost his life on November 21, 2019, during a T-38 training accident while continuing to serve his nation at Vance Air Force Base in Oklahoma. Today, he rests at Gracelawn Cemetery in Edmond, Oklahoma. Those who knew him remember not only his extraordinary accomplishments in aviation and military service, but also his kindness, leadership, quiet faith, and passion for encouraging others to pursue their dreams.

This holiday season, you can help ensure that Lt. Col. Kincade’s memory is honored by sponsoring a wreath to be placed at his grave during the 2026 Wreaths Across America ceremony at Gracelawn Cemetery. A link to sponsor his wreath will be included in this post, and those who sponsor a wreath may also choose to personally place it during the ceremony on December 19, 2026 at 10:00 AM as we come together to Remember, Honor, and Teach.
https://wreathsacrossamerica.org/OK0111P
2026 Wreaths Across America Ceremony at Gracelawn Cemetery

05/21/2026

John Wesley Isle was a Civil War veteran, community leader, businessman, and early Edmond resident whose life reflected a deep commitment to both his country and his community. Born in Missouri in 1841, Wesley served in multiple Missouri military units during the Civil War before eventually settling in Edmond with his family in 1899. Throughout his life he served as a Justice of the Peace, postmaster, store owner, coal mine operator, insurance salesman, and advocate for fellow veterans. He passed away in Edmond in 1917 and was laid to rest at Gracelawn Cemetery, where his story continues to be remembered today.

As we prepare for Wreaths Across America at Gracelawn Cemetery on December 19, 2026, at 10:00 AM, you now have the opportunity to sponsor a wreath specifically in honor of John Wesley Isle. Those who sponsor his wreath will also have the opportunity to personally place the wreath at his grave during the ceremony. Through simple acts of remembrance like this, we ensure that the names and stories of our veterans are never forgotten.

Sponsor his wreath here: https://wreathsacrossamerica.org/OK0111P

05/20/2026

This December, we invite our community to come together once again for Wreaths Across America at Gracelawn Cemetery as we work to Remember, Honor, and Teach. Each sponsored wreath is far more than a decoration. It is a personal act of remembrance for a veteran who served our nation and helped protect the freedoms we enjoy every day.

Our 2026 Wreaths Across America Ceremony will take place on Saturday, December 19, 2026 at 10:00 AM at Gracelawn Cemetery in Edmond, Oklahoma. This meaningful community event is open to the public, and we would love for you and your family to be part of it.

You can sponsor wreaths directly through our official Gracelawn Wreaths Across America page here:
https://wreathsacrossamerica.org/OK0111P

This is also a wonderful volunteer opportunity for individuals, families, youth groups, businesses, veterans organizations, and anyone looking for a meaningful way to give back to the community. There is something incredibly powerful about placing a wreath, speaking a veteran’s name aloud, and ensuring their memory continues to live on.

As this year’s Wreaths Across America theme reminds us: Remember Me.

Help us honor the veterans laid to rest at Gracelawn Cemetery and show that they are never forgotten. Whether you sponsor one wreath, volunteer your time, or attend the ceremony, your support truly makes a difference.

Remember. Honor. Teach. 🇺🇸

Wreaths Across America ("WAA") coordinates wreath-laying ceremonies every December to "Remember, Honor, and Teach" about the sacrifices made by our veterans and their families. Please check out this page to learn how you can help by sponsoring Veterans Remembrance Wreaths or by joining us on Decembe...

05/06/2026

The Francis E. Hamilton Veterans of Foreign Wars Post & Auxiliary #4938 is proud to give our full and enthusiastic endorsement and support to Bobbi Parris for VFW Auxiliary District 10 National Council Member for the 2026-2028 term.

Bobbi is not only a highly respected member, but also a beloved part of the Francis E. Hamilton Veterans of Foreign Wars Post & Auxiliary #4938 family. Throughout the years, she has continuously demonstrated unwavering dedication, leadership, integrity, and genuine care for the members of this organization. As a Past Department President and longtime leader within the Auxiliary, her experience spans every level of service, and her commitment to this organization speaks for itself.

One of the things we appreciate most about Bobbi is her belief that the voices of Auxiliary members matter. Our Auxiliaries and our members are the very lifeblood of this Department. Without the Auxiliaries and the hardworking members who serve within them, there would be no Department. Bobbi understands that deeply. She believes members deserve transparency, communication, representation, and someone willing to stand up for their concerns and rights at the National level.

Bobbi is approachable, passionate, and deeply committed to the betterment of this organization. She cares about the future of the Auxiliary and about ensuring members feel heard, valued, respected, and represented. She also welcomes questions, comments, and concerns from members and Auxiliaries alike, and would genuinely love for people to reach out to her directly. Open communication and listening to the membership are priorities she strongly believes in.

We are incredibly proud to stand behind Bobbi Parris and encourage Auxiliaries and delegates across Oklahoma to support and vote for her during the 2026 VFW Auxiliary Department of Oklahoma Convention this June.

We believe Bobbi will be a strong, dedicated, and unwavering voice for the membership she serves.